The study of the enantioselective fluorination of homoallylic alcohols via chiral anion phase transfer (CAPT) catalysis using an in situ generated directing group is described. Multivariate correlation analysis, including designer π-interaction derived parameters, revealed key structural features affecting the selectivity at the transition state (TS). Interpretation of the parameters found in the model equation highlights the key differences as well as similarities for the reaction of homoallylic and allylic substrates. A similar T-shaped π-interaction was found to occur between the substrate and the catalyst. The tuning of this crucial interaction by identification of the best combination of phosphoric acid catalyst and boronic acid directing group allowed for the development of a methodology to access γ-fluoroalkenols in typically high enantioselectivities (up to 96% ee).

The use of computed interaction energies and distances as parameters in multivariate correlations is introduced for postulating non-covalent interactions. This new class of descriptors affords multivariate correlations for two diverse catalytic systems with unique non-covalent interactions at the heart of each process. The presented methodology is validated by directly connecting the non-covalent interactions defined through empirical data set analyses to the computationally derived transition states.

A chiral phosphoric acid-catalyzed kinetic resolution and desymmetrization of para-quinols operating via oxa-Michael addition was developed and subsequently subjected to mechanistic study. Good to excellent s-factors/enantioselectivities were obtained over a broad range of substrates. Kinetic studies were performed, and DFT studies favor a hydrogen bonding activation mode. The mechanistic studies provide insights to previously reported chiral anion phase transfer reactions involving chiral phosphate catalysts in combination with boronic acids.

New methods for preparation of tailor-made fluorine-containing compounds are in extremely high demand in nearly every sector of chemical industry. The asymmetric construction of quaternary C-F stereogenic centers is the most synthetically challenging and, consequently, the least developed area of research. As a reflection of this apparent methodological deficit, pharmaceutical drugs featuring C-F stereogenic centers constitute less than 1% of all fluorine-containing medicines currently on the market or in clinical development. Here we provide a comprehensive review of current research activity in this area, including such general directions as asymmetric electrophilic fluorination via organocatalytic and transition-metal catalyzed reactions, asymmetric elaboration of fluorine-containing substrates via alkylations, Mannich, Michael, and aldol additions, cross-coupling reactions, and biocatalytic approaches.