Ligand-induced reactivity of β-diketiminate magnesium complexes for regioselective functionalization of fluoroarenes via C-H or C-F bond activations.

Using β-diketiminate Mg(ii) complexes containing either alkyl, aryl or amide groups, the regioselective functionalization of a wide range of fluoroarenes is accomplished but in uniquely different ways. Overcoming common limitations of traditional s-block bases, kinetically activated [(Nacnac)Mg(TMP)] (1) deprotonates these molecules at room temperature, trapping sensitive fluoroaryl anions that can then engage in Negishi cross-coupling; whereas [(Nacnac)Mg(R)THF] (R = Bu, Ph, benzofuryl) have proved to be effective reagents for C-F bond alkylation/arylation via pyridine directed C-F bond cleavage.