A Mild and Regioselective Route to Fluoroalkyl Aromatic Compounds via Directed Cycloaddition Reactions

The synthesis of perfluoroalkyl-substituted (hetero)­arenes by benzannulation strategies is complementary to ring functionalization approaches as it obviates the need for pre-existing functionality and innate regiocontrol. We report a mild and regiospecific boron-directed benzannulation method as a vehicle for accessing a range of perfluoroalkyl-substituted (hetero)­aromatic building blocks that can be readily elaborated through established C–B bond functionalization processes.