Dr Vincent Tognetti

Pr Laurent

Dr Petr Beier

Dr Mathieu Laurent

Many thanks to Elisabeth Roger (Babette

PMB -p-methoxybenzyl

The aim of this thesis was to synthesize new pentafluorosulfanylated building-blocks, on the one hand, and to develop new synthetic approaches leading to original pentafluorosulfanylated nitrogen-containing heterocyles, on the other hand.

In the first part of our work, we have developed an efficient four-step synthesis of new SF 5 -acrylic esters and amides, starting from commercially available allyl acetate derivatives.

Using the same strategy, several new pentafluorosulfanylated allylsilanes were synthesized.

We have also developed an In-mediated allylation reaction of aldehydes, using the SF 5 -allyl bromide, leading to the corresponding pentafluorosulfanylated a-and g-homoallylic alcohols.

In the second part, two different strategies for the synthesis of new SF 5 -substituted heterocycles were explored. The first one was the direct fluorination of heterocyclic thiols or disulfides, according to the Umemoto's procedure. The second approach was based on the cycloaddition reactions of our pentafluorosulfanylated building-blocks. As a result, we have successfully developed the synthesis of the first SF 5 -substituted pyrrolidines and isoxazolidines. Finally, post-functionalizations of SF 5 -pyrrolidines were performed, leading to several pentafluorosulfanylated scaffolds which could be easily introduce into molecules of biological interest.

Chapter I Introduction 1. General introduction

Since the discovery of the elemental fluorine by Henri Moissan in 1886, 1 a number of organofluorine compounds were applied in various domains, such as agrochemistry, medicinal chemistry, materials or polymers. The interest in the fluorine chemistry is due to the physico-chemical characteristics of the fluorine atom, including its high electronegativity and small size, as well as its influence on the acidity of the neighbouring functional groups. 2 It is well known that the C-F bond can successfully replace the C-H or C-O bonds, retaining comparable activities of the molecule, but changing some properties. Because of this special nature of the fluorine atom, its presence in drugs or agrochemicals is usually crucial for their activity. Fluorine substitution is often used to increase metabolic stability, enhance binding interactions or increase the blood brain barrier permeability. [START_REF]), as pure E-or Z-stereoisomers, except for the nitrone 71b, which was obtained as a (2:1) mixture of E/Z-isomers. 116 Nitrone 71c was prepared by us in a two-step synthesis, according to the literature. 117 First, the monocyanomethylation of benzyl amine was performed, leading to N-benzyl-Ncyanomethylamine in 90% yield. The next step was the oxidation of the latter with m-CPBA, to give nitrone 71c in 75%[END_REF] Nowadays, approximately 25% of new commercially available pharmaceuticals contain at least one fluorine atom. 4 A number of methods for the incorporation of one or several fluorine atoms into organic molecules were efficiently developed. 5 The introduction of the polyfluorinated groups, such as CF 3 , OCF 3 , SCF 3 or CF 2 CF 3 , is described as well. 6 Among these substituents, the bulky and highly electronegative trifluoromethyl group has been of a special interest of researchers, since several decades. 7 The pentafluorosulfanylated group (SF 5 ) -another interesting fluorinated substituent, often called as the "super-trifluoromethyl group", particularly attracted our attention. The SF 5 -group has been introduced into organic 1 Moissan, H. R. Acad. Sciences 1886, 102, 1543. 2 For some general reviews, see: (a) Purser, S.; Moore, P. R.; Swallow, S.; Gouverneur, V. Chem. Soc. Rev. 2008, 37, 320. (b) Bégué, J.-P.; Bonnet-Delpon, D. Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry of Fluorine, Wiley-VCH, Weinheim, 2008. (c) Hagmann, W. K. J. Med. Chem. 2008, 51, 4359. (d) Gilmour, R.; Seebach, D. Chimia 2014, 68, 345. (e) Wang, J.; Sanchez-Rosello, M.; Acena, J. L.; del Pozo, C.; Sorochinsky, A. E.; Fustero, S.; Soloshonok, V. A.; Liu, H Chem. Rev. 2014, 114, 2432. [START_REF]), as pure E-or Z-stereoisomers, except for the nitrone 71b, which was obtained as a (2:1) mixture of E/Z-isomers. 116 Nitrone 71c was prepared by us in a two-step synthesis, according to the literature. 117 First, the monocyanomethylation of benzyl amine was performed, leading to N-benzyl-Ncyanomethylamine in 90% yield. The next step was the oxidation of the latter with m-CPBA, to give nitrone 71c in 75%[END_REF] (a) Kirk, K. L J. Fluorine Chem. 2006, 127, 1013. (b) Purser, S.; Moore, P. R.; Swallow, S.; Gouverner, V. Chem. Soc. Rev. 2008, 37, 320. 4 Eur. J. 2014, 20, 16830. 6 For some selected review, see: (a) Macé, Y.; Magnier, E. Eur. J. Org. Chem. 2012, 13, 2479. (b) Roy, S.; Gregg, B.T.; Gribble, G. W.; Le, V. -D.; Roy, S. Tetrahedron 2011, 67, 2161. (c) Besset, T.; Poisson, T.; Pannecoucke, X. J. Fluorine Chem. 2015, 178, 225. (d) Landelle, G; Panossian, A.; Pazenok, S.; Vors, J.-P.; Leroux, F. Beilstein J. Org. Chem. 2013, 9, 2476. 7 For some selected review, see: (a) Barata-Vallejo, S.; Lantano, B.; Postigo, A. Chem. Eur. J. 2014, 20, 16806. (b) Liu, X.; Xu, C.; Wang, M.; Liu, Q. Chem. Rev. 2015, 115, 683. (c) Egami, H.; Sodeoka, M. Ang. Chem. Int. Ed. 2014, 53, 8294. molecules for the first time by Sheppard in 1960; 8 however, this substituent reached more attention only in the last two decades. Currently, the SF 5 -chemistry is becoming a fast growing field of the fluorine chemistry, as new pentafluorosulfanylated building-blocks and reagents are under continuous development. 9 The physicochemical properties of the pentafluorosulfanyl group, as well as the methods for its introduction into organic compounds, will be presented in this chapter, in order to better understand the context of this study. The applications of the pentafluorosulfanylated, aryl-or heteroaryl-containing compounds, and the influence of the SF 5 -group on their activities, will be also discussed.

Physicochemical properties of the pentafluorosulfanyl group

Structure and steric hindrance of the SF 5 -group

Because of the presence of the hypervalent hexacoordinated sulfur atom, the pentafluorosulfanylated compounds are considered as organic derivatives of the sulfur hexafluoride (SF 6 ). In both cases, the octahedral geometry of the ligands around the sulfur is observed. 9a Fluorine atoms of the SF 5 -group constitute a typical AB 4 system, in which one axial and four equatorial fluorine atoms are present (Figure 1). 10 Because of the square pyramidal array of fluorines, the SF 5 -substituent has a reduced rotation barrier, which allows its better interactions with receptor. 9g This geometry is in contrast with the tetrahedral geometry presented by the CF 3 -group (Figure 1).

8 Sheppard, W. A. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1960, 82, 4751. 9 For general reviews, see: (a) Kirsch P. Modern Fluoroorganic Chemistry: Synthesis, Reactivity, Applications. Wiley-VCH: Weinhein; 2004. (b) Winter, R. W.; Dodean, R. A.; Gard, G. L.; Soloshonok, V. A. in Fluorine Containing Synthons. Soloshonok, V. A., Ed. American Chemical Society: Washington, DC; 2005, 87. (c) Gard, G. L. Chem. Today 2009, 27, 10. (d) P. Wipf, T. Mo, S. J. Geib, D. Caridha, G. S. Dow, L. Gerena, N. Roncal, E. E. Milner Org. Biomol. Chem., 2009, 7, 4163. (e) Altomonte, S.; Zanda, M. J. Fluorine Chem. 2012, 143, 57. (f) Welch, J. T. in Fluorine in Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry. Gouverneur, V.; Muellen, K., Eds. Imperial College Press; 2012, Vol. 6, 175. (g) Savoie, P. R.; Welch, J. T. Chem. Rev. 2015, 115, 1130. 10 Dolbier, W. R. Guide to Fluorine NMR for Organic Chemists; John Wiley & Sons, Inc.: Hoboken, New Jersey, 2009. The steric hindrance of the pentafluorosulfanyl group is often compared with that of tert-butyl group. The "volumes" of SF 5 -and CF 3 -relative to t-Bu-substituents were recently calculated (DV = V substituent -V t-Bu ), and are as follows: DV (CF 3 ) = -34.9 Å 3 < DV (SF 5 ) = -11.1 Å 3 < DV (t-Bu) = 0 Å 3 ). 11 The pentafluorosulfanyl group is therefore much bigger than the trifluoromethyl one, but smaller than the tert-butyl one.

Electronic properties

From the charge distributions and molecular size points of view, the electrostatic surface of the SF 5 -substituent is comparable to that of the CF 3 -group (Figure 2). Both of these two moieties present highly fluorinated surfaces. However, it has been shown that the pentafluorosulfanyl group is more electronwithdrawing than the trifluoromethyl one, approaching rather the nitro group in its inductive 11 Westphal, M. V.; Wolfstädter, B. T.; Plancher, J.-M.; Gatfield, J.; Carreira, E. M. ChemMedChem 2015, 10, 461. 12 Matsuzaki, K.; Okuyama, K.; Tokunaga, E.; Saito, N.; Shiro, M.; Shibata, N. Org. Lett. 2015, 17, 3038. power (Hammet substituent constants: s 1 (SF 5 ) = 0.55 and s 1 (CF 3 ) = 0.39). 13 As a consequence, the SF 5 -substituent has greater influence on the acidity of the molecule than the CF 3 one. The electronegativity of SF 5 -group has been measured as well, and its value is 3.65, compared to 3.36 for the trifluoromethyl substituent. 14 The presence of two additional fluorine atoms in SF 5 enhances also the dipole moment of the pentafluorosulfanylated derivatives (µ = 3.44 D for Ph-SF 5 , compared to µ = 2.60 D for Ph-CF 3 ). 13

Lipophilicity

The measurments of Hansch hydrophobicity constants for CF 3 -and SF 5 -substituents proved higher lipophilicity of the latter one (π (CF 3 ) = 1.09 and π (SF 5 ) 1.51, respectively). 15 It is worth noting that the high electronegativity and high lipophilicity are usually "in conflict". Nevertheless, the SF 5 -group possesses both of these properties, similarly as CF 3 , OCF 3 and SCF 3 substituents.

Chemical stability

The pentafluorosulfanyl group is considered as chemically stable (Table 1). A set of experiments testing the stability of Ph-SF 5 was performed by Sheppard. 16 When the pentafluorosulfanylated benzene was treated with 1 N NaOH aq. solution, the release of fluoride ion was not detected even after 4 h of heating at 94°C. Another test proved that the SF 5 -substituent is relatively stable under the acidic conditions as wellwhen heating in the presence of 98% H 2 SO 4 solution, Ph-SF 5 started to decompose into Ph-SO 2 F only at 100°C. Though, in the same conditions, the trifluoromethylated benzene was totally hydrolysed within 5 minutes at 90°C. 13 Sheppard, W. A. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1962, 84, 3072. 14 Saethre, L. J.; Berrah, N.; Bozek, J. D.; Boerve, K. J.; Carroll, T. X.; Kukk, E.; Gard, G. L.; Winter, R.; Thomas, T. D. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2001, 123, 10729. 15 (a) Bégué, J.-P.; Bonnet-Delpon, D. Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry of Fluorine; Wiley: Hoboken, 2008. (b) Hansch, C.; Muir, R. M.; Fujita, T.; Maloney, P. P.; Geiger, F.; Streich, M. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1963, 85, 2817. 16 Sheppard, W. A. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1962, 84, 3064. More recently, another study confirmed the higher chemical resistance of the SF 5 -group relative to CF 3 one.17 Indeed when the p-SF 5 -aniline was treated with 1 N NaOH aq. solution at room temperature, it was recovered in 90%, whereas the corresponding CF 3 -compound was totally hydrolysed in these conditions.

Synthesis of pentafluorosulfanylated compounds

Introduction of the SF 5 -group into aliphatic compounds

In this section, general methods for the introduction of the SF 5 -group into the aliphatic compounds will be presented. We will focus on two main methodologies: the direct fluorination of sulfur containing precursors on the one hand, and the radical addition of the SF 5 X reagents to unsaturated compounds on the other hand.

Direct fluorination of sulfur containing compounds

The first report on the direct fluorination leading to a pentafluorosulfanylated molecule dates from 1950. 18 The smallest SF 5 -containing compound (SF 5 CF 3 ) was synthesized in 25% yield, by the direct fluorination of CS 2 with molecular F 2 , at 48°C (Scheme 1 (a)). When the reaction was performed in the presence of CoF 3 , SF 5 CF 3 was obtained in significantly better yield (40%) (Scheme 1 (b)). 18,19 Scheme 1: Fluorination of carbon disulfide with: (a) F 2 or (b) F 2 and CoF 3 .

The reaction of alkyl thiols or dialkyl sulfides with F 2 allowed the synthesis of some larger perfluoroalkyl-SF 5 derivatives as well; however, the yields of these reactions were low.

In all cases only primary pentafluorosulfanylated compounds were obtained, regardless the structure of the starting products (Scheme 2). 20

Scheme 2: Fluorination of alkyl thiol and dialkyl sulfide with F 2 . Reagents and conditions: (i) 2-20% F 2 /He, -120°C to 25°C.

In addition to molecular fluorine other fluorinating agents, such as ClF, AgF 2 , CoF 3 or SF 4 were reported. 21 When the above mentioned fluorine sources were reacted with various 18 Silvey, G. A.; Cady, G. H. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1950, 72, 3624. 19 Silvey, G. A.; Cady, G. H. U.S. Patent US2697726, 1954;Chem. Abstr. 1954, 49, 30129. 20 Huang, H. N.; Lagow, R. J.; Roesky, H. Inorg. Chem. 1991, 30, 789. 21 Fischer, J.; Jaenckner, W. Angew. Chem. 1929, 42, 810. sulfur-containing compounds under thermal conditions, the pentafluorosulfanylated derivatives were obtained in moderate to good yields. 22 Finally, the SF 5 -containing compounds could be also synthesized using HF. The pentafluorosulfanylated derivatives were obtained from organic thiols, 23 sulfides 24 and disulfides, 23a,25 under electrochemical conditions, similar to those described by Simons et al. 26 In all cases the fluorination of chain carbons took place as well (Scheme 3).

Scheme 3: Electrochemical fluorination of organic sulfides, disulfides and thiols. Reagents and conditions: (i) HF, e -(5-6 V, 9 A), 120 h.

Radical addition of SF 5 X to unsaturated compounds

As the scope of the direct fluorination was quite limited and pentafluorosulfanylated compounds were often obtained in moderate yields together with other fluorinated byproducts, other methods have been developed. The reaction of SF 5 X (X = Br, Cl or SF 5 ) reagents with unsaturated compounds turned out to be a more efficient pathway for the introduction of the SF 5 -substituent into organic molecules. As the highly toxic SF 5 dimer (S 2 F 10 ) is the low reactive one; therefore, in this chapter, we will focus our attention only on SF 5 Br and SF 5 Cl agents.

Preparation of SF 5 Cl and SF 5 Br

Pentafluorosulfanylating agents (SF 5 X) were prepared for the first time about half a century ago. 27 The initial methods for the synthesis of SF 5 Cl consisted on the addition of fluorine to SCl 2 , or the reaction of Cl 2 or BCl 3 with S 2 F 10 . The first method gave low yield, while the latter one depended on the poorly available disulfur decafluoride, prepared from sulfur and fluorine. 27,28 Alternative methods of SF 5 Cl synthesis were based on the reactions with toxic gaseous SF 4 . The use of ClF (prepared in situ from Cl 2 and FCl 3 ) was reported by Nyman in 1962. 29 Its addition to SF 4 in a batch process at 350°C afforded the desired product in 85% (Scheme 4, (a)). Further optimisation showed that the temperature of the reaction could be decreased to ambient in the presence of CsF, which probably formed a complex with SF 4 and rendered it more susceptible to oxidation by ClF (Scheme 4, (b)). 30 It has been also proved that ClF could be replaced by inexpensive and easy accessible Cl 2 . 30a More recently, Winter 31 has improved this methodology by introducing bromine to the reaction (Scheme 4, (c)); however, the role of this additive was not explained.

Scheme 4: Preparation of SF 5 Cl.

Pentafluorosulfanyl bromide is generally less studied and more difficult to prepare, compared to the chlorinated reagent. SF 5 Br was first synthesized in 1962 27b from S 2 F 10 and Br 2 by the analogous method as reported for SF 5 Cl. Nevertheless, the reaction was not complete even in the presence of a large excess of Br 2 at 150°C, the brominated derivative being obtained in 77% yield (Scheme 5). Apparently, this reaction might be reversible because of the decomposition of SF 5 Br at high temperature. By using Monel reactors and reusing unreacted Br 2 , the yield exceeded 80%. 32

Scheme 5: Synthesis of SF 5 Br from S 2 F 10 and Br 2 .

Once again, the attention of researchers was turned on sulfur tetrafluoride as a starting product for the synthesis of pentafluorosulfanylated agent. The reaction of SF 4 with BrF 5 and bromine in a Monel tube was reported to be efficient at 100°C (Scheme 6, (a)). 33 In 1998, an important improvement in the SF 5 Br synthesis was made by Gard et al. 34 who reported the reaction of Br 2 , BrF 3 , CsF and SF 4 , carried out in a single reaction vessel, without heating (Scheme 6, (b)). Under these conditions, the pentafluorosulfanyl bromide was obtained in 99% yield (relative to SF 4 ). A recent patent 30 also described the synthesis of SF 5 Br from SF 4 , Br 2 and dried AgF or AgF 2 , at 100°C, in 75% yield (Scheme 6, (c)).

32 Kovacina, T. A.; Berry, A. D.; Fox, W. B. J. Fluorine Chem. 1976, 7, 430. 33 Merrill, C. I.; Lustig, M.; Cady, G. H. Sulfur bromide pentafluoride and preparation and properties of difluorofluorosulfato amine, NF 2 OSO 2 F; University of Washington: Seattle, WA, 1962. 34 Winter, R.; Terjeson, R. J.; Gard, G. L. J. Fluorine Chem. 1998, 89, 105.

Scheme 6: Preparation of SF 5 Br.

Chemistry of SF 5 Br and SF 5 Cl

Pentafluorosulfanyl bromide is known to be more reactive than its chlorinated analogue; however, it has lower thermal stability, with the decomposition starting at 150°C.

Slightly less reactive, SF 5 Cl is thermally stable up to 400°C in inert vessel and it does not undergo hydrolysis in the presence of water or aqueous acids. Nevertheless, it decomposes in lower temperature in the presence of UV light or in alkaline solutions. 9e Both of these reagents are known to undergo radical additions to unsaturated bonds.

This way of SF 5 introduction into an organic compound is very advantageous, because of the broader scope and better yields of such reaction, compared to direct fluorination. The mechanism of the radical addition of SF 5 X to alkene is depicted on Scheme 7. 35 In the first step, the SF 5 . radical is formed under photochemical or thermal conditions or in the presence of radical initiator, such as Et 3 B, in the presence of dioxygen. The next step is the addition of the SF 5 . radical to the double (or triple) bond, followed by the reaction with X . (from the second molecule of SF 5 X). The termination step takes place when two SF 5 . radicals react together, leading to S 2 F 10 .

Scheme 7: General mechanism for the radical addition of SF 5 X (X = Br or Cl) to an alkene.

Nowadays only the pentafluorosulfanyl chloride is commercially available. As it undergoes generally clean additions to various unsaturated compounds, the SF 5 Cl is currently the principal reagent used for the preparation of SF 5 -substituted building-blocks.

Addition of SF 5 X to double bond

The radical addition of SF 5 Cl to alkenes, under thermal and photochemical conditions was first reported by Case et al. in 1961. 36 Most alkenes gave the corresponding pentafluorosulfanylated products in moderate to good yields (48-78%) (Scheme 8). However, some of unsaturated derivatives, such as 2-methylpropene or styrene, afforded exclusively the polymerization product under these conditions.

Scheme 8: First SF 5 Cl additions to alkenes.

The SF 5 Br addition to ethylene under thermal conditions turned out to be more complicated, as all attempts led to the mixture of fluorinated and pentafluorosulfanylated products. The desired SF 5 -product was obtained in only 9% yield (Scheme 9). 37

Scheme 9: Early attempt of SF 5 Br addition to ethylene.

In the following years, various examples of the introduction of SF 5 into olefins, using SF 5 X, were reported in the literature. For example, the additions to vinyl silanes, 38 mono-or poly-haloethylenes 39 or terminal dienes 40 . The general trend shows that the additions of SF 5 Cl to vinylsilanes and haloalkenes gave slightly better yields than the analogous reactions with SF 5 Br; however, the latter one proved to be more reactive and the additions were usually possible at lower temperatures (Scheme 10).

37 Terjeson, R. J.; Gard, G. L. J. Fluorine Chem. 1987, 35, 653. 38 Berry, A. D.; Fox, W. B. J. Fluorine Chem. 1975, 6, 175. 39 (a) Banks, R. E.; Haszeldine, R. N.; Morton, W. D. J. Chem. Soc. C 1969, 1947. (b) De Marco, R. A.; Fox, W. B. J. Fluorine Chem. 1978, 12, 137. (c) Grelbig, T.; Pötter, B.; Seppelt, K. Chem. Ber. 1987, 120, 815. (d) Steward, J.; Kegley, L.; White, H. F.; Gard, G. L. J. Org. Chem. 1969, 34, 760. 40 Brel, V. K. Synthesis 2005, 1245.

Scheme 10: Additions of SF 5 X to vinylsilanes and haloalkenes.

Interestingly, in the reaction of SF 5 Br with 1,2-dibromoethylene, the unexpected mixture of SF 5 -substituted alkene and 1,1,2,2-tetrabromoethylene was obtained (Scheme 11, (a)). This phenomenon was explained by a possible radical exchange reaction (Scheme 11, (b)).

Scheme 11: Reaction of SF 5 Br with 1,2-dibromoethene.

It is also worth mentioning that when the pentafluorosulfanyl chloride was reacted with dienes, containing two terminal double bonds, the monoaddition products were dominating (Scheme 12, (a)). 40 When one of the diene's double bonds was substituted with three fluorine atoms, the SF 5 Br added regioselectively to the CH 2 =CH 2 bond, leading to the corresponding product in 91% (Scheme 12, (b)). This result was explained by a better stability of the radical created when the SF 5 added to the more electron-rich double bond. 41

Scheme 12: Addition of SF 5 Cl to penta-1,4-diene derivatives.

More recently, the radical addition of SF 5 Cl was also used for the synthesis of the SF 5substituted allyl alcohol (Scheme 13, (a)). This versatile synthon underwent a set of transformations, leading to new SF 5 -substituted building blocks, such as SF 5 -allyl chloride, SF 5 -acrylic aldehyde or SF 5 -acrylic acid and other pentafluorosulfanylated derivatives (Scheme 13, (b)). 42

41 Nixon, P. G.; Renn, J.; Terjeson, R. J.; Choi, Y. S.; Winter, R.; Gard, G. L. J. Fluorine Chem. 1998, 91, 13. 42 Scheme 13: Synthesis of SF 5 -allyl alcohol and its further transformations.

In 2002, an important improvement of the SF 5 -addition was made by Dolbier and coworkers. 43 After testing several radical initiators, they discovered that the SF 5 Cl could successfully undergo the radical additions to unsaturated bonds, in the presence of Et 3 B and oxygen. According to this procedure, the low boiling SF 5 Cl could be directly condensed into a cooled (-40°C) solution of the unsaturated substrate, followed by the addition of the Et 3 B initiator, at -30°C. This method allowed the synthesis of a variety of pentafluorosulfanylated building blocks in excellent yields (Scheme 14). 43,44 The addition of SF 5 Cl was efficient with long-chain alkenes (Scheme 14, (a)), non-conjugated, conjugated or cumulated dienes (Scheme 14, (b)), as well as with alkenes bearing various functional groups, those being usually not conjugated with the double bond (Schemen 14, (c)). For most of the substrates the reaction was complete within 30 minutes. The Dolbier's method was then successfully applied by other researchers, who prepared by this way a variety of functionalized pentafluorosulfanylated derivatives. It was reported that SF 5 Br could also undergo the radical addition in the presence of Et 3 B; however, this reagent gave good results only when electron-deficient alkenes were engaged. With other substrates (especially with nucleophilic ones), pentafluorosulfanyl bromide reacted rather in an electrophilic manner, via the attack of the olefin double bond on the bromide, to form Br + and SF 5 -. The latter one liberated a fluoride anion; therefore, instead of SF 5 Br, the BrF addition took place. 44 An improved procedure for the addition of the pentafluorosulfanyl bromide was reported by Welch. 46 When a non-polar solvent, such as CCl 3 F, was used, the SF 5 Br addition afforded the pentafluorosulfanylated compounds in high yields and no BrF addition product was observed (Scheme 15).

Scheme 15: Et 3 B catalyzed addition of SF 5 Br to olefins.

Addition of SF 5 X to triple bond

First examples of the SF 5 X addition to alkynes were described at the same time as the analogous reactions with alkenes. Pentafluorosulfanyl chloride was reported to react with acetylene under photochemical 36 or thermal 47 conditions, leading to the corresponding pentafluorosulfanylated ethylene in 25% and 40% yield, respectively (Scheme 16).

Scheme 16: Photochemical and thermal additions of SF 5 Cl to acetylene.

Further replacement of SF 5 Cl by SF 5 Br reagent allowed the reaction to occur at lower temperature (57°C instead of 160°C) leading to 80% yield. 48 The addition of SF 5 Br to CF 3 -or SF 5 -substituted acetylenes afforded the corresponding SF 5 -products in 58% and 75% yields, respectively. However, in the two latter cases higher temperature (~100°C) was required (Scheme 17). 19, (a)), whereas the radical addition of SF 5 Br led to the pentafluorosulfanylated products in up to 99% yields (Scheme 19, (b)).

Scheme 19: Et 3 B catalyzed additions of SF 5 X to alkynes.

In the reaction of phenyl acetylene with SF 5 Cl, the expected product was accompanied by the 1:2 adduct (Scheme 20, (a)). This phenomenon could be explained by the addition of the propagating radical intermediate to a second molecule of phenyl acetylene. It was reported that the use of a larger excess of pentafluorosulfanyl chloride minimized the formation of this by-product. On the other hand, SF 5 Br showed to be more reactive toward phenyl acetylene, giving the pentafluorosulfanylated product in higher yield (79%). Another advantage of the use of this reagent was its ability to react with phenyl acetylene without forming the 1:2 adduct (Scheme 20, (b)). 43

Scheme 20: Et 3 B catalyzed additions of SF 5 X to phenyl acetylene.

Introduction of the SF 5 -group into aromatic compounds

In this part, the methods for the synthesis of pentafluorosulfanylated aromatic derivatives will be presented. The SF 5 -substituent can be introduced into the aromatic compounds using three general approaches. The first one is based on the fluorination reactions of various sulfur-containing substrates, such as diaryl disulfides or aryl thiols. The second approach consists on the introduction of the SF 5 -group into alkynes or cycloalkenes, using the previously described addition methods, followed by cycloaddition or aromatization reactions of these pentafluorosulfanylated building-blocks. The last strategy for the synthesis of SF 5 -substituted aryl compounds is the approach based on the transformations of benzene derivatives, already containing the SF 5 -group.

As in this project, we will investigate the synthesis of SF 5 -derivatives via the direct fluorination of sulfur-containing compounds or via the cycloaddition reactions of SF 5building-blocks; therefore, we were especially interested in the first two approaches. Herein we will primarily discuss the first two methodologies; nevertheless, the latter approach will be also briefly presented.

Fluorination of sulfur containing aromatic compounds

In 1962, Sheppard reported the first synthesis of phenylsulfur pentafluoride, by the fluorination of diphenyl disulfide with silver difluoride (Scheme 21). 16,53 Many researchers used these conditions in order to prepare pentafluorosulfanylated aromatic derivatives; 54 however, this method suffered from low yields and required an excess of the expensive AgF 2 .

Scheme 21: First synthesis of phenylsulfur pentafluoride.

53 Sheppard, W. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1962, 85, 1310. 54 (a) Reiffenrath, V.; Eidenschink, R.; Weber, G. WO-A8810251A1, 1987; Chem. Abstr. 1993, 110, 240329. (b) Williams, A.; Foster N. WO9422817, 1995; Chem. Abstr. 1995, 122, 58831. (c) Crowley, P. J.; Mitchell, G.; Salmon, R.; Worthington, P. A. Chim. Int. J. Chem. 2004, 58, 138. Later, the direct fluorination using molecular fluorine, instead of silver difluoride, was reported. 55 The reaction of bis(p-or m-nitrophenyl) disulfide with F 2 in nitrogen atmosphere (F 2 /N 2 = 1/9) afforded the pentafluorosulfanylated product in ca. 40% (Scheme 22). The drawbacks of this method were: the low yield, the use of the toxic and explosive gaseous F 2 , and the scope was limited only to highly electron-deficient aromatic substrates. Alternatively, the use of the expensive xenon difluoride in the reaction with diphenyl disulfide was reported, giving the corresponding SF 5 -substituted product in a low 25% yield. 56

Scheme 22: Synthesis of m-or p-nitrophenylsulfur pentafluoride using molecular fluorine. Aryl thiols also reacted smoothly under these conditions, affording arylsulfur chlorotetrafluorides in 52% to 98% yields (Scheme 24). In order to transform the SF 4 Cl-intermediates into the corresponding pentafluorosulfanylated derivatives, various conditions were screened. The reaction with the inexpensive ZnF 2 afforded the desired products with good yields (Scheme 26, (a)). It was reported that the electron-withdrawing substituents on the aryl ring increased the reactivity of Ar-SF 4 Cl derivatives under these conditions, whereas the electron-donating groups decreased it. Interestingly, in the presence of Cl 2 the reactions were faster and gave better yields for most of the products; however, the role of the chlorine remained unclear. Other fluoride sources, such as HF, HF-pyridine, SbF 3 or SbF 5 were also reported to react efficiently with the SF 4 Cl-intermadiates, leading to pentafluorosulfanylated products with good yields (Scheme 26, (b-e)).

Scheme 26: Synthesis of SF 5 -substituted aromatics from SF 4 Cl-derivatives.

Approach based on the SF 5 X addition to unsaturated compounds

This approach to pentafluorosulfanylated aromatic compounds includes two methodologies, both based on the radical addition of SF 5 X to unsaturated compounds, and their further transformations (Diels-Alder reactions or aromatizations).

Diels-Alder reaction of SF 5 -building-blocks

The synthesis of the SF 5 -aromatic compounds based on the cycloaddition reactions was reported in the literature, as an alternative to the inefficient direct fluorination. Indeed, SF 5acetylene underwent Diels-Alder cycloadditions with buta-1,3-diene or 2,3-dimethylbuta-1,3diene, followed by the dehydrogenation of the corresponding cycloadducts, leading to phenylsulfur pentafluoride derivatives (Scheme 27). 47

Scheme 27: Diels-Alder cycloadditions of SF 5 -acetylene and further dehydrogenations.

SF 5 X introduction-aromatization approach

In 2004, two papers reporting the synthesis of SF 5 -benzene, using SF 5 X additions on cycloalkenes or related derivatives appeared. On the one hand, SF 5 Cl and SF 5 Br underwent additions to cyclohexene and its diacetoxy derivative, respectively. After further transformations, the pentafluorosulfanylated product was obtained with moderate overall yields (Scheme 28, (a) and (b)). 58 On the other hand, Dolbier and collaborators 59 reported the addition of SF 5 Cl to 4,5-dichlorocyclohexene, according to his previously described method, 43 followed by the HCl elimination (Scheme 28, (c)). This procedure allowed the synthesis of phenylsulfur pentafluoride in a high overall yield (>70%).

58 Winter, R. W.; Gard, G. L. J. Fluorine Chem. 2004, 125, 549. 59 Sergeeva, T. A.; Dolbier, W. R. Org. Lett. 2004, 6, 2417.

Scheme 28: Synthesis of SF 5 -substituted aromatics via SF 5 X addition and aromatization.

The same concept of SF 5 X introduction into unsaturated cyclic compound and subsequent aromatisation, was used for the synthesis of the first SF 5 -naphthalene, reported few years later. 60 The addition of SF 5 Cl to benzobarralene was followed by the dehydrochlorination to form the SF 5 -substituted benzobarralene. The ethylene bridge was then eliminated by the reaction with 3,6-bis-(2-pyridyl)-1,2,4,5-tetrazine, via a sequence of cycloaddition and retro-cycloaddition reactions, to form the 2-SF 5 -naphtalene in 65% (Scheme 29).

Scheme 29: Three-step synthesis of 2-pentafluorosulfanyl naphthalene.

Approach based on the reactions of novel Ar-SF 5 building-blocks

A more modern pathway for the introduction of the pentafluorosulfanyl group into aromatic compounds is the use of benzene derivatives, already containing the SF 5 -group. In this sub-section, few selected examples of reactions engaging the Ar-SF 5 building-blocks, will be shortly presented.

Among various transformations of SF 5 -aryl building-blocks, Beier et al. have quite recently reported a series of nucleophilic aromatic substitution reactions, giving the access to a variety of unknown SF 5 -benzene derivatives. 61 For example, the S N Ar reaction of p-or mnitro(pentafluorosulfanyl)benzene with alkoxides or thiolates, led to the corresponding substitution products in high yields (Scheme 30, (a)). 61a On the other hand, the vicarious nucleophilic substitution with 1,1,1-trimethylhydrazinium iodide in the presence of potassium tert-butoxide allowed the direct amination of p-and m-nitro(pentafluorosulfanyl)benzene (Scheme 30, (b)). 61d The same strategy was previously used in the reactions with carbon or oxygen nucleophiles. The Pd-catalyzed direct arylation of nitro(pentafluorosulfanyl)benzenes with aryl bromides was reported as well. 63 This method led to a variety of SF 5 -containing aryl derivatives in high yields and with good regioselectivities (Scheme 32).

Scheme 32: Pd-catalyzed direct arylation using nitro(pentafluorosulfanyl)benzenes.

Very recently, Matsuzaki et al. 12 has reported the synthesis of SF 5 -arene containing diaryliodonium salts, which turned out to be efficient reagents for the electrophilic SF 5arylation of various nucleophiles. Reaction of these new unsymmetrical diaryliodonium salts with alcohols, phenols, carboxylic acids, sulfonic acids, or anilines in the presence of base or copper catalyst, led to a wide variety of SF 5 -aromatic compounds, in moderate to good yields (Scheme 33).

Scheme 33: Electrophilic arylations using SF 5 -arene containing diaryliodonium salts.

Preparation of SF 5 -heterocycles

Pentafluorosulfanylated heterocycles can be generally divided into two types, depending on the location of the SF 5 -group on their rings. On the one hand, there is a group of derivatives, in which the SF 5 -substituent is located on the aryl moiety (Figure 3, (a)). On the other hand, the SF 5 -group can be also directly attached to the heterocyclic ring, as depicted on Figure 3, (b). The methods for the synthesis of both types of pentafluorosulfanylated heterocyclic derivatives were exhaustively described in the Welch's revue. 9g The access to SF 5heterocycles of the first type appears to be easier, as the aromatic SF 5 -containing building blocks are usually commercially available, whereas the synthesis of derivatives bearing the SF 5 -group directly on the heteroaryl part is more challenging. Therefore, in the following sections, we will only shortly present the first type of SF 5 -containing heterocycles, but we will discuss in details the examples of the second type of pentafluorosulfanylated heterocycles.

Derivatives bearing the SF 5 -group on the aryl moiety

Among the pentafluorosulfanylated heterocycles bearing the SF 5 -group on the aryl moiety, one can distinguish derivatives composed exclusively of monocyclic rings (Figure 4, (a)), 54c,64 and those, containing fused bicyclic rings (Figure 4, (b)).

Derivatives bearing the SF 5 -group directly on the heteroaryl moiety

The examples of pentafluorosulfanylated heterocycles, having the SF 5 -substitutent directly fixed on the heterocycle moiety are quite limited. Since the SF 5 -acetylene was prepared for the first time, in 1961, 36,47 the main methodology for the introduction of the SF 5 - substituent into the heterocyclic compounds were based on the cycloaddition reactions of SF 5 -alkynes with various partners. Several oxygen-, 66 sulfur-67a or nitrogencontaining 47,67,68,69 five-membered unsaturated heterocycles were prepared by this methodology (Figure 5). Recently, the direct fluorination of sulfur-containing heterocyclic compounds, leading to first 2-pentafluorosulfanylated pyridines, has been reported by Dolbier. 70 Nevertheless, the saturated five-membered heterocycles have remained undiscovered so far. In the following sub-sections, different methods for the synthesis of above presented pentafluorosulfanylated heterocycles (Figure 5) will be described in details.

Synthesis of unsaturated five-membered heterocycles by cycloaddition reactions

The preparation of SF 5 -substituted furans, using two different retro-Diels-Alder strategies, was reported by Dolbier. 66 First, the 3-pentafluorosulfanylfuran was synthesized, using the furan-acrylonitrile exo-adduct, as the starting product (Scheme 34). The first step of this sequence was the usual Et 3 B-initiated addition of SF 5 Cl, leading to two regioisomeric products. After the HCl elimination and the subsequent retro-Diels-Alder reaction (release of acrylonitrile), the expected SF 5 -furan was obtained in the overall yield of 59%. The same method was also used for the preparation of the corresponding 2-methylated derivative, in 67% yield.

Scheme 34: Synthesis of 3-pentafluorosulfanylfurans.

Another 3-substituted pentafluorosulfanylated furan was obtained via tandem cycloaddition/retrocycloaddition reactions. The 1-pentafluorosulfanylhex-1-yne was shown to be a good dienophile and reacted with 4-phenyloxazole, leading to the corresponding cycloadduct (as one regioisomer). The latter one underwent retro-Diels-Alder reaction to give the desired pentafluorosulfanylated product in a good yield (Scheme 35). Other five-membered unsaturated SF 5 -heterocycles, such as tiophenes, pyrroles, pyrazoles, triazoles, isoxazoles or isoxazolines, were also synthesized by 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reactions starting from SF 5 -acetylenic derivatives.

The reactions of SF 5 -substituted alkynes with in situ-generated thiocarbonyl ylide led to the pentafluorosulfanylated 2,5-dihydrothiophenes, in ca. 70% yield. The subsequent reaction with sulfuryl chloride gave access to the corresponding thiophenes (Scheme 36). As the SF 5 -substrates bearing an alkyl group on the triple bond did not react under these conditions, the scope of this reaction was limited to the aryl-substituted alkynes. 67a

Scheme 36: Synthesis of 3-pentafluorosulfanylated thiophenes.

1,3-Dipolar cycloadditions of SF 5 -acetylenic derivatives with two different azomethine ylide precursors were reported as well. Both reactions allowed the synthesis of a few pentafluorosulfanylated pyrroles in moderate to high yields.

Reacting the SF 5 -alkynes with N-(t-butyl) aziridine ester, followed by the oxidation of the intermediate pyrrolines, afforded the 4-SF 5 -substituted pyrrole derivatives (Scheme 37).

The removal of the tert-butyl group was possible in the presence of a catalytic amount of the triflic acid. 67b

Scheme 37: Synthesis of pentafluorosulfanylated pyrrole carboxylic acid esters.

Alternatively, pentafluorosulfanylated pyrroles were synthesized in good yields from the SF 5 -alkynes and N-(methoxymethyl)-N-[(trimethylsilyl)methyl]-N-benzylamine, as a dipole precursor (Scheme 38). The SF 5 -pyrrolines, obtained from 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reactions of azomethine ylide and SF 5 -alkynes, were converted in-situ to the corresponding pyrroles, using DDQ as an oxydizing reagent. When the triisopropyl substituted SF 5 -alkyne was used as the starting material, the pyrrole could be easily desilylated by the use of

TBAF. 67a

Scheme 38: Synthesis of 3-pentafluorosulfanylated pyrroles.

The first synthesis of SF 5 -pyrrazoles was reported in 1964, together with the first preparation of the SF 5 -acetylene. The latter showed to be reactive toward diazomethane, leading to a mixture of non-separable regioisomeric cycloadducts (Scheme 39 (a)). 47 This procedure was improved more recently, by using the TIPS-substituted SF 5 -acetylene, as the starting product. The only obtained regioisomer underwent an easy desilylation to give the 4pentafluorosulfanylated pyrazole in 80% yield (Scheme 39 (b)). 68a

Scheme 39: Synthesis of pentafluorosulfanylpyrazoles.

Several examples of 4-SF 5 -substituted 1,2,3-triazoles were reported. Such heterocycles were prepared from pentafluorosulfanylacetylene and various azides, in the presence of Cu(I) catalyst, formed in-situ from CuSO 4 /sodium ascorbate (Scheme 40). These typical "click chemistry" conditions allowed a straightforward synthesis of the 4-pentafluorosulfanylated 1,2,3-triazoles in moderate to good yields. 68

Scheme 40: Synthesis of 4-pentafluorosulfanyl-1,2,3-triazoles.

Very recently, Dolbier and coworkers have described the synthesis of the first pentafluorosulfanylated heterocycles, containing both nitrogen and oxygen atoms. 69 They reported the 1,3-dipolar cycloadditions of aryl-substituted SF 5 -acetylenes with in-situ generated nitrile oxides, affording regioselectively the 4-pentafluorosulfanyl isoxazoles (Scheme 41). Nevertheless, a large excess of the nitrile oxide, as well as a long reaction time (36 h), were required to give the desired SF 5 -heterocycles, in rather moderate yields.

Scheme 41: Synthesis of 4-pentafluorosulfanylated isoxazoles.

SF 5 -Isoxazolines were synthesized in better yields (60-90%), by reacting the same SF 5acetylenic building-blocks with several nitrones (Scheme 42). 69 The structures of 4-SF 5regioisomers were assigned on the basis of 2D NMR experiments; however, no explanation for the total regioselectivity of these reactions was given.

Scheme 42: Synthesis of 4-pentafluorosulfanylated isoxazolines.

Synthesis of 2-SF 5 -pyridines by Umemoto's method

Until recently, the preparation of pentafluorosulfanylated pyridines was very limited.

The synthesis of 4-SF 5 -2,3,5,6-tetrachloropyridine was achieved by heating the corresponding thiol with IF 5 (Scheme 43, (a)); nevertheless, the yield of the reaction was low (30-40%) and no experimental or characterization details of the new compound were described. 71a A patent described also the synthesis of 2-SF 5 -pyridine by oxidative fluorination of 2,2'-dipyridyl disulfide with AgF 2 , in nonane for 5 hours at 120°C (Scheme 43, (b)); nevertheless, the latter method appeared to be very limited. 71b

Scheme 43: First reported synthetic routes for SF 5 -substituted pyridines.

Another approach for the synthesis of 2-SF 5 -pyridines, was developed very recently. 70 It was reported that the Umemoto's procedure, previously reported for the aryl series, can be The transformation of the SF 4 Cl-intermediates into the desired SF 5 -pyridines was further investigated. The screening of widely used fluorinating agents revealed that in most cases the SF 4 Cl-products decomposed. Only the silver (I) fluoride showed to be a very efficient reagent for the halogen-exchange reaction, leading to the desired 2pentafluorosulfanylated pyridines (Scheme 45). It is worth noting that in the reactions of SF 4 Cl-pyridines bearing a very electron-withdrawing substituent (such as a CF 3 or NO 2 group) in the 5-postition, mainly the 2-fluoropyridines were formed. This was explained by the activating effect of these substituents, toward the S N Ar reaction with fluoride anions, competing with the desired Cl-F exchange process. The moderate yields (38-69%) of this 2step transformation were probably due to a high volatility of the final products.

Applications of SF 5 -derivatives

The interesting properties of SF 5 -group, prompted some researchers to synthesize new SF 5 -containing active compounds. A large majority of such derivatives was very recently reviewed by Welch; 9g thus in this section, only selected examples, possessing agrochemical or pharmaceutical activities, will be presented. The first sub-section includes the active compounds containing exclusively aromatic rings in their structures. In the second subsection, the SF 5 -derivatives, containing one or more heterocyclic rings, will be presented. It is worth noting that, in all cases the SF 5 -substituent is placed on the aryl part of these active compounds.

Active pentafluorosulfanylated aryl-containing derivatives

Agrochemistry

In 2007, Welch group synthesized the pentafluorosulfanylated analogue of the herbicide trifluraline (Figure 6, II), starting from the commercially available 1-nitro-4pentafluorosulfanylbenzene. 72 The herbicidal activity of this SF 5 -substituted aryl compound was tested against a representative panel of plant species, in pre-and post-emergence applications. The replacement of CF 3 -by the SF 5 -group did not bring any significant improvement in the post-emergence applications; however, it turned out to be advantageous in pre-emergence use. The SF 5 -analogue caused less crop injury compared to the parent trifluraline. For example, only 10% growth inhibition was observed for corn treated with II at 2.68 kg/ha, whereas the application of trifluoraline at 4 and 1 kg/ha resulted by 100% and 20% damage, respectively. Furthermore, the SF 5 -derivative was also reported to have greater herbicidal activitythe control of several weeds was efficient at 4 kg/ha application rate for trifluralin, and already at 0.67 kg/ha for the SF 5 -analogue. The mechanism of action of these herbicides was explained by the interactions of their electron dense areas (CF 3 -group for I and SF 5 -group for II) with charged arginase enzyme.

Medicinal chemistry

In the same laboratory, SF 5 -analogues of fluoxetine (Figure 7, III), fenfluramine (Figure 7, IV) and norfenfluramine (Figure 7, V) were synthesized. 73 The well known fluoxetine is an anti-depressive drug, whereas the fenfluramine and its metabolitenorfenfluramine, are used in the treatment of obesity. All of these compounds are acting by binding the serotonin (5-HT) receptors. The synthesis of the fluoxetine SF 5 -analogue started from 1-nitro-4-pentafluorosulfanylbenzene, while the analogues of fenfluramine and norfenfluramine were prepared starting from SF 5 -benzene. The initial screening at 10 mmol/L concentrations, showed that all the SF 5 -derivatives inhibited the binding of selected 5-HT receptors. In addition, the secondary screening demonstrated that fenfluramine and norfenfluramine SF 5 -analogues had almost ten-fold enhanced affinity to 5-HT 2b and 5-HT 6 receptors, than the parent CF 3 -compounds. The SF 5 -group was reported to be a suitable substituent for diarylamine-based tryptanothione reductase (TR) inhibitor (Figure 8). 74 This compound was synthesized, by hydrogenation of the commercially available 1-nitro-4-pentafluorosulfanylbenzene to the corresponding aniline, followed by further post-transformations. Compound VI was reported to show a mixed competitive-uncompetitive inhibition of Trypanosoma cruzi TR. The binding conformation of this derivative in the receptor site is depicted on Figure 8 the SF 5phenylamine moiety occupies the hydrophobic binding side, framed by Trp21, Tyr110 and

Met113 amino acid residues. The highly electron-withdrawing nature of SF 5 -group probably strengthens the interaction of VI with the electron-reach amino acids, present in the binding site. Further investigations showed also lower cytotoxicity of VI, relative to the corresponding CF 3 -analogue. The SF 5 -derivative displayed also a good membrane permeability, with the logarithmic distribution coefficient lying in the desirable range (logD =

3.56 at pH 7.4). The pentafluorosulfanylated flufenamic acid analogues were very recently reported by Hendriks et al. (Figure 10). 75 The parent CF 3 -substituted compound is known to inhibit aldoketo reductase 1C3 (AKR1C3) -an enzyme over-expressed in prostate cancer. Compounds VII-X were efficiently prepared by a two-step procedure, starting from pentafluorosulfanylanilines. All the SF 5 -derivatives displayed good biological activities and selectivities; however, the best results were reported for analogues VIII and IX. High inhibitory potency (IC 50 < 100 nM) and selectivity for AKR1C3 over AKR1C2 (IC 50 ratio > 150) make them potential new drug candidates for prostate cancer.

Active pentafluorosulfanylated heterocycle-containing derivatives

Agrochemistry

SF 5 -Insecticides, containing pyrimidinone and pyrazole rings (Figure 11), were synthesized from polysubstituted pentafluorosulfanylated benzenes. 54c Their biological activities, compared to the corresponding trifluoromethyl analogues, were evaluated. On the one hand, compounds XI were more active against houseflies (Musca domestica) and German cockroaches (Blatella germanica), than their CF 3 -analogues (EC 50 (SF 5 ) = 0.3-1 ppm vs. EC 50 (CF 3 ) = 1-17 ppm). Nevertheless, their activity against resistant strain of housefly was low. On the other hand, the SF 5 -analogue XII was reported to be more active against houseflies and cockroaches, than the parent CF 3 -containing fipronil. Moreover, the SF 5derivative showed no loss of potency against the housefly resistant strain (Table 2). In the same paper, the synthesis of the pyridine-containing herbicide (Figure 12), starting from the SF 5 -substituted sodium phenoxide and a 3-chloro substituted pyridine, was described. It was reported that the pentafluorosulfanylated derivative XIII showed the same level of potency and selectivity in pre-emergence applications, as the commercial CF 3containing diflufenican.

Medicinal chemistry

Three pentafluorosulfanylated analogues of the antimalarial agent mefloquine were reported by Wipf et al. (Figure 13). 76 The SF 5 -substituent in these compounds was attached to the phenyl part of the quinoline. The 6-, 7-and 8-SF 5 -derivatives were synthesized starting from the respective p-, m-and o-SF 5 -anilines, through five steps, in 10-23% overall yields.

Compounds XIV and XV displayed the biological mimicry of the trifluoromethyl group.

Both of them exhibited equivalent or lower values of IC 50 and IC 90 against drug resistant strains of Plasmodium falciparum, compared to the CF 3 -analogues and mefloquine. In addition, compound XIV was reported to have greater selectivity than mefloquine. Thus, 6and 7-SF 5 -derivatives could be considered as potential antimalarial drug candidates. As for the 8-SF 5 -analogue, its biological activity has not been reported yet. Other heterocycle-containing pentafluorosulfanylated compounds, with potential antimalarial activity, were reported in 2011 (Figure 14). 64a,b Compounds XVII and XVIII were synthesized from SF 5 -aniline and chloro-substituted triazolopyrimidine derivatives. The biological studies demonstrated that compound XVII had 2-3 fold greater activity against Plasmodium falciparum dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (PfDHODH), than its trifluoromethylated analogue. Even if the EC 50 values against Plasmodium berghei was higher than those reported for the well-known antimalarial drugs, the SF 5 -derivative showed a good balance between potency and metabolic stability. Compound XVIII was also efficient against P. falciparum and it displayed an activity against drug resistant parasite strains. The last presented example was designed as a potential thymidine phosphorylase (TP) inhibitor (Figure 15). 64c As it is known that TP has some functions related to cancer biology, the inhibitors of this enzyme might be used as potential anticancer agents. The pentafluorosulfanylated derivative XIX displayed a high inhibitory activity (IC 50 (SF 5 ) = 0.36 mM) against this enzyme. The mixed-type inhibition mechanism was reported for this compound, suggesting that it could bind at two sites of the enzyme. Finally, the preliminary cytotoxicity studies indicated that SF 5 -derivative XIX did not exhibit severe cytotoxic effects; thus it could be a potential drug candidate.

Presentation of the PhD project

The aim of this PhD thesis is to develop new methodologies for the synthesis of original pentafluorosulfanylated building-blocks, on the one hand, and to get the access to new pentafluorosulfanylated nitrogen-containing heterocycles, on the other hand. Given quite limited examples of simple pentafluorosulfanylated building-blocks, the preparation of new SF 5 -derivatives could contribute to a faster development in SF 5 -chemistry. Finally, thanks to the unique properties of the SF 5 -group, its introduction into heterocycles should give us the access to new potential biologically active compounds.

In the first part of the project, we will concentrate on the preparation of various unsaturated pentafluorosulfanylated building-blocks. The synthesis of SF 5 -substituted allylic and acrylic derivatives (Figure 16, (a)), based on the radical addition of SF 5 Cl, will be presented. The attempts of the synthesis of original pentafluorosulfanylated homoallylic alcohols (Figure 16, (b)), by the allylation reactions of aldehydes, will be discussed as well. The next part of the project will include the development of new methods for the introduction of the SF 5 -group into nitrogen-containing heterocycles. Our attention will be especially focused on the synthesis of SF 5 -containing pyridines, on the one hand, and various SF 5 -substituted saturated or unsaturated five-membered heterocycles, such as pyrrolidines, isoxazolidines, isoxazolines or pyrazolines, on the other hand. In order to achieve our objective, two different approaches will be explored. The first one will be based on the direct fluorination of heterocyclic thiols or disulfides, leading to pentafluorosulfanylated pyridines (Figure 17, (a)). Alternatively, we will also investigate the use of previously prepared pentafluorosulfanylated building-blocks in cycloaddition reactions. A special attention will be paid to the Diels Alder reaction with oxazoles, and 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition with various dipoles, such as azomethine ylides, nitrones, nitrile oxides or diazomethane derivatives. The latter approach is very attractive, as it should allow to access a large variety of original SF 5containing heterocycles in one step (Figure 17, (b)). As part of our work on the development of new pentafluorosulfanylated heterocycles, we envisage also to perform a post-functionalization studies of some of newly synthesized pyrrolidines. For example, chemical transformations of SF 5 -containing pyrrolidines should give us the access to the various cyclic amines or acids, which could be incorporate into more complex structures, leading to new pentafluorosulfanylated compounds of biological interest (Scheme 46).

Scheme 46: Post-functionalizations of SF 5 -pyrrolidines.

Chapter II

Preparation of Pentafluorosulfanylated Building-Blocks

In the first part of our project, we were working on the synthesis of various pentafluorosulfanylated building-blocks. These simple compounds could be used for the introduction of SF 5 -group into more complexed structures. First, the preparation of SF 5 -allyl alcohols, as well as their further transformations, leading to a variety of pentafluorosulfanylated acrylic derivatives, will be presented. We will also discuss in this chapter, the first synthesis of SF 5 -allylsilanes, and the attempts of their use in allylation reactions. The In-mediated allylations using allylic SF 5 -bromide will be presented, as an alternative pathway leading to original SF 5 -substituted homoallylic alcohols. Finally, we will present several attempts of SF 5 Cl radical additions to allylic and propargylic derivatives, which have never been presented before.

1. Synthesis of SF 5 -substituted allylic and acrylic derivatives 1.1. Synthetic sequence leading to SF 5 -allyl alcohols 5a-c and acetate 6

At the beginning, we focused our attention on the preparation of previously described pentafluorosulfanylated allyl alcohol 5a 42 and its new derivatives 5b and 5c (Figure 18). We were interested in these versatile and quite easily accessible scaffolds, as their chemical transformations could give access to a large variety of other more complex SF 5 -containing compounds. Previously described methodologies afforded the alcohol 5a in 53% and 63% overall yields, starting from allyl acetate 1a or allyl alcohol 2, 77,42 respectively (Scheme 47). In order to synthesize compound 5a, we decided to use a modified Winter's method. 77

In the first step, we performed the radical addition of SF 5 Cl to the commercially available allyl acetate 1a, according to Dolbier's procedure (Scheme 48, (i)). 43 The corresponding product 3a was obtained in a high yield (97%). The next step was a one pot dehydrochlorination/ ester hydrolysis sequence, using KOH (aq.) solution, which afforded the desired alcohol 5a in 93% yield as E-stereoisomer (Scheme 48, (ii)). The latter one was protected by acetylation with acetyl chloride, in the presence of pyridine, leading to the corresponding pentafluorosulfanylated allyl acetate 6 in 94% yield (Scheme 48, (iii)).

We then decided to extend this methodology to other SF 5 -substituted derivatives, by engaging 2-methylprop-2-enyl acetate 1b or but-2-enyl acetate 1c, as starting materials.

When compound 1b was used, good yields were obtained for both steps; however, the elimination/ hydrolysis step required a higher temperature (60°C), leading to a ~3:1 mixture of E/Z-isomers 5b (Scheme 48, (ii)). Unfortunately, all attempts of SF 5 Cl addition to crotyl acetate 1c did not give the expected product. This two-step methodology proved to be an efficient pathway, leading to pentafluorosulfanylated allyl alcohols 5a and 5b in 59-90% overall yields. It could successfully replace the previously described methodologies (Scheme 47). 42a-c,77

Oxidation of SF 5 -allyl alcohols 5a and 5b to aldehyde 7 and acids 8a and 8b

Having in hands pentafluorosulfanylated allyl alcohols 5a and 5b, we were interested in their oxidation to the corresponding aldehyde 7 or acids 8a and 8b (Figure 19). These acrylic SF 5 -derivatives could either undergo further useful transformations to afford other SF 5building-blocks, or be engaged in cycloaddition reactions, to give new pentafluorosulfanylated heterocycles. We have first tried to prepare pentafluorosulfanylated aldehyde 7, by oxidizing the alcohol 5a with cerium (IV) ammonium nitrate (CAN) in acetic acid, as previously described by Brel (Table 3, Entry 1). 42c Unfortunately, this method did not work in our hands; the purification was difficult, and despite several attempts, only traces of the desired product were obtained. The standard Swern oxidation conditions turned out to be inefficient as well, leading to aldehyde 7, contaminated by the starting product 5a and other fluorinated compounds (Table 3, Entry 2). Therefore, we decided to use silica gel supported pyridinium chlorochromate (PCC), which was reported to improve the yield and simplify the work-up and purification of the final product. 42d Indeed, under these conditions, 3pentafluorosulfanylpropenal 7 was isolated in 44% yield, without further optimisation (Table 3, Entry 3). We then turned our attention on the synthesis of pentafluorosulfanylated acrylic acids 8a and 8b (Scheme 49). Oxidation of SF 5 -allyl alcohol 5a, using a mixture of chromium trioxide in acetic acid and water, 42b afforded the desired product 8a in 65% yield, as exclusively E-isomer. When SF 5 -derivative 5b was engaged as a starting material, the corresponding a-methylated acrylic acid 8b was obtained in 70% yield. Compound 8b was isolated as a mixture of E/Z isomers in a ~3:1 ratio determined by 19 F NMR, which was in accordance with the stereochemistry of the starting material 5b.

Scheme 49: Synthesis SF 5 -acrylic acids 8a and 8b 1.3. Synthesis of SF 5 -acrylic esters 9,10 and amides 11,12

Having in hands pentafluorosulfanylated acrylic acids 8a,b our aim was to prepare the corresponding esters 9,10 and amides 11,12 (Figure 20). These SF 5 -unsaturated buildingblocks were especially interesting from our point of view, as they could act as potential dieno-or dipolarophiles in cycloaddition reactions. Nevertheless, the examples of such simple compounds in the literature are quite limited and their preparation remains a challenge.

State of the art

The only pentafluorosulfanylated a,b-unsaturated esters reported so far in the literature, were methyl and ethyl b-SF 5 -acrylates. Brel synthesized the compound 9a by esterification of the corresponding SF 5 -acid 8a, under classical acidic conditions (Scheme 50, (a)). 42c,78 Ethyl acrylate 9b was also prepared by Winter, from the corresponding 2-bromo derivative 13, using tributyltin hydride (Scheme 50, (b)). 51 Nevertheless, the latter method gave the desired product 9b in a poor yield, which was attributed to its high volatility.

78 Brel, V. K. Phosphorus. Sulfur. Silicon Relat. Elem. 2011, 186, 1284.

Scheme 50: Previously described syntheses of b-SF 5 -acrylic esters 8a and 8b.

Concerning SF 5 -substituted acrylic amides, only a few examples were mentioned in two patents. However, neither experimental procedure, nor experimental data of these compounds, were reported. 79

Optimization and scope of esterification reactions

In order to prepare pentafluorosulfanylated acrylic esters 9 and 10, we have first tested

Brel's procedure (MeOH, H 2 SO 4 (cat.), reflux). 42c, 78 Unfortunately, this method did not work in our handsonly degradation of starting material was observed (Table 4, Entry 1).

Therefore, we decided to develop our own methodology for the synthesis of SF 5 -unsaturated esters 9 and 10.

We started our study by using acidic (Table 4, Entry 2) or neutral (Table 4,Entry 3) conditions. Nevertheless, both of these methods were unsuccessful; the starting material was quantitatively recovered. Therefore, we decided to synthesize esters 9,10 via the preparation of 3-pentafluorosulfanylpropenoic acid chloride 14, and further reacting it with alcohols.

Indeed, the treatment of acid 8a with thionyl chloride ( Then we turned our attention to the use of coupling agents. 80 When SF 5 -acrylic acid 8a

was treated with MeOH or n-BuOH, in the presence of DCC and DMAP, the corresponding esters 9a or 9d were detected by 1 H and 19 F NMR, in the reaction mixtures (Scheme 51).

However, these compounds were lost during the work-up, probably due to their high volatility. In order to avoid this problem, we decided to decrease the volatility of final ester, by using benzyl alcohol as a coupling partner.

Scheme 51: Synthesis of methyl and n-butyl SF 5 -acrylic esters (9a and 9d). a The product was not isolated.

Treating acid 8a with benzyl alcohol, in the presence of DCC/DMAP system in CH 2 Cl 2 , led to ester 9c in 44% isolated yield (Table 5, Entry 1). The purification of this compound was quite difficult, due to the presence of N-acylurea side product 15b, whose polarity was very close to the ester's one. The formation of compound 15b could be explained by the spontaneous rearrangement of the very reactive O-acylisourea intermediate 15a, obtained from the reaction of carboxylic acid 8a with DCC (Scheme 52). Such phenomenon was already reported in the literature, for the reactions engaging this type of coupling agents. 81 Further screening showed that replacing DCC by DIPC did not solve this problem, and in addition the yield decreased to 30% (Table 5,Entry 2). The use of T 3 Preagent, known for its low toxicity and easy work-up, 82 was inefficient as well, affording the desired product 9c in only 28% isolated yield (Table 5,Entry 3). Finally, we found that addition of HOBt to previously tested DCC/DMAP system, allowed to reach 64% yield, without forming the by-product 15b ( Angew. Chem., Int. Ed. Engl. 1986, 25, 277. (c) Glauder, J. Speciality Chemicals Magazine 2004, 24, 30.

Optimization and scope of amidification reactions

After preparing novel pentafluorosulfanylated esters, we focused our attention on the synthesis of analogous SF 5 -amides. Benzylamine was selected as a model amine for the screening of amidification conditions. In the presence of DCC/DMAP system the desired product 11a was isolated in only 15% yield, and the side-product 15b (R = Cy) was detected as well (Table 6, Entry 1). In contrast, both DCC/HOBt and T 3 P/Et 3 N systems (Table 6, Entries 2 and 3) turned out to be efficient, leading to the compound 11a in high yields (85% and 93%, respectively). With the optimal conditions in hand, we have investigated the scope of the amidification reactions. Two selected methods (DCC/HOBt and T 3 P/Et 3 N) allowed the synthesis of a variety of secondary and tertiary SF 5 -substituted amides (Figure 21). 83 All of them were isolated as solids. DCC/HOBt procedure was generally used for the preparation of non-polar amides, affording the desired products in good to excellent yields (57-98%).

Indeed, reactions proceeded smoothly with primary benzylic (product 11a,h), aromatic (product 11b), aliphatic (product 11c) and allylic (product 11d) amines, as well as with secondary ones (product 11j-l). Chiral amino ester and amino alcohols also reacted under these conditions, leading to the corresponding products (11f-i) in moderate yields. Compound 12, derived from a-methylated acrylic acid 8b, was obtained as E/Z isomers mixture in the reaction mixture; however, only the E isomer was isolated. For the preparation of more polar amides, such as compounds 11e,f, T 3 P/Et 3 N system was selected, because of the easier purification process. It is worth nothing that the latter two reactions, with 2-aminoethanol and phenylglycinol were fully chemoselective, leading only to the corresponding amides.

Attempts for the synthesis of new SF 5 -substituted homoallylic alcohols

Continuing our studies on the synthesis of pentafluorosulfanylated building blocks, homoallylic alcohols gained our interest. These versatile compounds are considered as key building blocks in organic synthesis. Their double bond can be used in a number of synthetically useful transformations, giving the access to a large variety of functionalized compounds (Figure 23).84 Concerning homoallylic SF 5 -alcohols, Brel reported the synthesis of E-4pentafluorosulfanylbut-3-en-1-ol 18, by a two-step procedure, including a radical addition of SF 5 Cl to but-3-en-1-ol 16 (Scheme 53). 42b,78 To our knowledge this is the only reported example of such compound and the synthesis of substituted SF 5 -containing homoallylic alcohols remains a scientific challenge.

Scheme 53: Reported synthesis of SF 5 -homoallylic alcohol 18.

We decided therefore, to develop a methodology, giving the access to these novel pentafluorosulfanylated building-blocks. Among commonly used methods, we were particularly interested in the allylation reactions using allylsilanes, on the one hand, and the In-mediated allylation reactions of allylhalides, on the other hand.

Allylation reactions using new pentafluorosulfanylated allylsilanes

Preparation of SF 5 -allylsilanes

We have first turned our attention on the synthesis of pentafluorosulfanylated allylsilanes. Taking into account that SF 5 Cl radical addition on terminal alkenes worked well (Scheme 48, (a)), these new SF 5 -building blocks seemed to be relatively easy accessible, by previously used two-step procedure. First attempts of dehydrochlorination of trimethylsilyl derivative 20a failed. Presuming the possible high volatility of the expected product, we selected triphenylsilyl derivative 20b for further optimisation (Table 7). Various bases were investigated (Entries 1-6), however the desired product 21a was exclusively detected in the presence of aqueous solution of KOH (Entry 6). When 1,4-dioxane was used as a solvent, better conversions were observed, than in water or Et 2 O (Entries 6-8). Finally, we found that the base concentration played a crucial role on the efficiency of the reaction (Entry 10). Applying the optimal conditions (6.0 M KOH (8 equiv), in 1,4-dioxane, rt, 25 min.), compound 21a was isolated in 87% yield. b Isolated yield.

Table 7: Screening of conditions for the synthesis of (3-pentafluorosulfanylallyl)triphenylsilane 21a.

The above method (Entry 10) was then extended to pentafluorosulfanylated allylsilanes bearing different silyl substituents. Elimination step turned out to be more complicated in the case of compound 20c. Despite several attempts of optimizing reaction conditions, SF 5allylsilane 21b was isolated in only 21% yield (Scheme 55, (a)). Derivative 21c was obtained in 76% yield; however, longer reaction time (30 h) and heating at 40°C were necessary to fully convert the starting material (Scheme 55, (b)). It is worth nothing that compounds 21a-c are, to our knowledge, the first examples of pentafluorosulfanylated allylsilanes reported so far.

Scheme 55: Synthesis of SF 5 -allylsilanes 21b and 21c.

Attempts of allylation reactions using SF 5 -allylsilanes

Having new pentafluorosulfanylated building-blocks 21a-c in hand, we were investigating their reactivity. Allylsilanes are commonly known to undergo electrophilic substitution with various electrophiles. Such reactions are catalysed either by Lewis acids (Scheme 56, (a)) or by fluoride ions (Scheme 56, (b)). In the first case, only g-products are obtained, whereas the latter reaction leads to both, g-and a-products, depending on the substitution of allylsilanes. 85 Among frequently used electrophiles, our attention was especially attracted by reactions with aldehydes. 85 For general reviews, see: (a) Fleming, I.; Dunoguès, J.; Smithers, R. Org. React. 2004, 1948, 57 We started our investigations using benzaldehyde as a model substrate, in the presence of various Lewis acids (Table 8). Unfortunately, reaction of triphenylsilyl derivative 21a with aldehyde was unsuccessful, regardless of Lewis acid type (Entries 1-3). The starting material was completely recovered, even when the reaction mixture was heated at reflux for several hours (Entry 3). Engaging pentafluorosulfanylated allylsilane 21b as a starting product, also did not afford the desired homoallylic alcohol 22a (Entry 4).

Entry SF 5 -Allylsilane Conditions Conversion a (%)

1 21a TiCl 4 (1 equiv), CH 2 Cl 2 , -78°C 0 2 21a Ti(O-i-Pr) 4 (2 equiv), CH 2 Cl 2 , -78°C to rt 0 3 21a BF 3 .Et 2 O (2 equiv), CH 2 Cl 2 , -78°C to reflux 0 4 21b BF 3 .Et 2 O (2 equiv), CH 2 Cl 2 , -78°C to reflux 0
a According to 19 F NMR of the reaction mixture. We then turned our attention to the use of fluoride ion, as catalyst for the allylation reaction (Table 9). We performed reactions of allylsilanes 21a-c with benzaldehyde in the presence of several fluoride sources, such as TBAF, TMAF or CsF. Nevertheless, all the attempts failed, giving either desilylation of starting product (Entries 1-2 and 4), or no conversion (Entries 3 and 5-6). Use of a more electrophilic aldehyde brought no improvement (Entry 4). Discouraged by these unsuccessful attempts, we changed our strategy to access to new SF 5 -homoallylic alcohols. We turned our attention to In-mediated reaction, which will be discussed in the following section.

Entry SF 5 -Allylsilane R Conditions Conversion a (%) 1 21a H TBAF (0.1 equiv), MS 3

Indium-mediated allylation reactions

State of the art

Indium-mediated reactions are quite advantageous over other carbon-carbon bond formation methods. They are known to be low toxic, insensitive to air and oxygen at ambient temperature and they can be performed in water. 86 It has been established that in the reactions of allyl halides, under aqueous conditions, allylindium intermediate containing indium (I), was formed (Figure 24). 87 In-mediated allylations of aldehydes usually afford g-branched homoallylic alcohols.

However, when allyl halides bearing bulky substituents are used, a-products are often formed predominately (Scheme 57). 86 It has been also proved, that in some cases, the regioselectivity of In-mediated allylations could be dependent on the nature of solvent. 86b

Scheme 57: In-mediated allylations of aldehydes.

Concerning the diastereoselectivity, the steric and chelating effects of substitutents on both allylic halide and aldehyde, play a key role. For example in allylations using crotyl bromide, no diastereoselectivity was observed. 88 On the other hand, when allyl bromide bearing a bulky CF 3 -group was used, corresponding g-homoallyl alcohols were obtained with 86 (a) Nair, V.; Ros, S.; Jayan, C. N.; Pillai, B. S. excellent anti diastereoselectivity, for most aldehydes. 89 Such behaviour was explained by the six-membered ring transition state (Zimmerman-Traxler), in which both CF 3 and R substitutents adopted equatorial positions, leading to anti product (Scheme 58).

Scheme 58: Diastereoselectivity of In-mediated allylations using CF 3 -allyl bromide.

In contrast, when 2-pyridinylcarboxaldehyde or glyoxylic acid were engaged in the allylation reactions with 4-bromo-1,1,1-trifluorobut-2-ene, syn adducts were predominately formed. It would indicate that in these cases, 2-pyridinyl or COOH group adopted an axial position in the six-membered transition state, probably due to the chelatation with indium, as depicted on Scheme 59. 89

Scheme 59: Syn-diastereoselective In-mediated allylations using CF 3 -allyl bromide.

Quite recently, a straightforward access to fluorinated homoallylic alcohols by means of an indium mediated allylation reaction was developed in our laboratory. was applied to a broad range of highly functionalized aldehydes and ketones, providing the gaddition products in good yields and moderate to good diastereoselectivities (Scheme 60).

Encouraged by these results, we desired to apply this methodology to the SF 5 -allylic derivatives.

Scheme 60: In-mediated synthesis of fluorinated homoallylic alcohols.

Preparation of SF 5 -allyl bromide 24

Since allyl bromides are known to be more reactive than the corresponding chlorides, under In-mediated conditions, we were interested in the preparation of a new SF 5 -substituted allyl bromide 24. Compound 24 was easily synthesized from previously prepared pentafluorosulfanylated allyl alcohol 5a. Indeed, when the latter one was treated with PBr 3 in Et 2 O, the expected product 24 was formed within 3 h, as a mixture of E/Z isomers (ratio ~1.5:1) (Scheme 61). Because of its high volatility, it was not possible to completely remove the solvent after the work-up; therefore, bromide 24 was used for further reactions as an ethereal solution.

Scheme 61: Synthesis of pentafluorosulfanylated allyl bromide 24.

Optimisation of allylation conditions

The reactivity of pentafluorosulfanylated allyl bromide 24 toward pchlorobenzaldehyde, in the presence of indium, was then investigated (Table 11). As In-mediated reactions of fluorinated allylic derivatives were already successfully developed in our laboratory, 86d,e we decided to begin our study using our optimal conditions. When an excess of SF 5 -allyl bromide 24 was used in the presence of equimolar quantity of indium, in water, two regioisomeric pentafluorosulfanylated allylic alcohols, 22a and 23a, were formed in 30% overall yield (Entry 1). It is worth noting that a-product 23a was obtained as a mixture of E/Z isomers (~1:1), regardless the stereochemistry of the starting bromide 24;

whereas, the g-product 22a was formed as exclusively anti diastereoisomer. In addition to the expected homoallylic alcohols, another pentafluorosulfanylated compound was observed.

According to 19 F and 1 H NMR, this compound could be the SF 5 -allylindium intermediate 25

(Figure 25). When the reaction was performed at higher temperature (50°C), a-isomer 23a was selectively obtained; nevertheless, the yield of reaction was lower (Entry 2). Increasing the reaction time to 3 days brought no significant improvement, compared to the standard time (18 h, Entry 1), but interestingly, the ratio of g-and a-products (22a and 23a) changed from ~2:1 to ~1:5, respectively (Entry 3). In contrary, when we shortened the reaction time to 9 h, the desired products were obtained in only 13% yield (Entry 4). In all these attempts, the formation of product 25 was observed as well.

We then performed several reactions, using other solvents than water. Unfortunately, all attempts of allylation in brine (Entry 5), EtOH (Entry 6) or EtOH/H 2 O mixture (Entry 7) brought no improvement. In brine or EtOH/H 2 O, the desired SF 5 -homoallylic alcohols were formed in low yields. In EtOH, the product 25 was exclusively obtained. In order to confirm the possible formation of SF 5 -allylindium intermediate 25, we removed the ethanol from the reaction mixture and we added p-chlorobenzaldehyde in water to the residue. However, we observed no conversion into the corresponding homoallylic alcohols. As possible explanation, we could assume that fluorine atoms in the allylindium species could coordinate to the indium (25', Figure 25), rendering this intermediate unreactive. Unfortunately, we were not able to confirm this theory.

Keeping in mind that SF 5 -allyl bromide 24 represents a greater value than the aldehyde, we decided to check the influence of the ratio of starting materials. To our delight, we found that the excess of pentafluorosulfanylated derivative 24 was not required. In fact, a slightly better yield was obtained, when the reagents were used in equimolar quantities (Entry 1 vs.

Entry 8). On the other hand, using an excess of aldehyde led to products 22a and 23a in 27%

overall yield (Entry 9), but the purification turned out to be difficult, due to similar polarities of p-chlorobenzaldehyde and g-homoallylic alcohol 22a.

Despite varying reaction parameters, we were not able to significantly improve the allylation yield. p-Chlorobenzaldehyde was converted in 90% in the best of case (Entry 1); nevertheless, the overall yield remained quite low (30%), which could be explained by the presence of the side product 25. Therefore, we selected the Entry 8 conditions as the optimal ones. b Determined by 1 H NMR on the crude mixture using 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane as internal standard.

c Isolated yield.

Table 11: Optimisation of In-mediated allylation conditions.

Scope of allylation reaction

Taking into account the previous results (Table 11), we performed the reaction of SF 5allyl bromide 24 with other aldehydes. For this purpose, we selected methyl 4formylbenzoate and 3-phenylpropanal as partners.

To our delight, reaction of methyl 4-formylbenzoate with bromide 24, using our "optimized" conditions (Table 11, Entry 8), led to the corresponding SF 5 -homoallylic alcohols 22b and 23b, in 43% NMR yield (Scheme 62). After the purification, we obtained the separated a-and g-products, in 11% and 27% yields, respectively. As in the case of compounds 22a and 23a, g-product 22b was obtained as only anti diastereoisomer, whereas a-homoallylic alcohol 23b showed a mixture of E/Z isomers (~1:1). When the aliphatic type aldehyde (3-phenylpropanal) was used in the In-mediated reaction with allyl bromide 24, the NMR yield of the corresponding products was much lower -10% for the g-product 22c and only 6% for the a-product 23c (Scheme 63). After purification, only the g-alcohol 22c was recovered, in 8% yield, as anti diastereoisomer. The loss of a-product 23c during the purification was probably due to its minor proportion in the crude mixture.

Scheme 63: In-mediated allylation of 3-phenylpropanal. Having synthesized several new pentafluorosulfanylated homoallylic alcohols, we stopped our investigations of In-mediated allylations at this stage. We then focused our attention on the preparation of novel SF 5 -allylic and SF 5 -propargylic building-blocks.

Attempts for the synthesis of new SF 5 -allylic and propargylic derivatives

Encouraged by the efficiency of previously performed radical additions of SF 5 Cl to unsaturated compounds, we decided to extend this reaction to several other derivatives. Our idea was to introduce the SF 5 -substituent on a functionalized double or triple bond, and to study further transformation into more complexe pentafluorosulfanylated derivatives.

Attempts for the radical addition of SF 5 Cl to functionalized allylic derivatives

In the context of our research for new SF 5 -building blocks, we were interested in the synthesis of several pentafluorosulfanylated allylic derivatives, depicted on Figure 26. These versatile compounds could undergo a number of interesting chemical transformations. For example, allyl sulfides could be easily oxidized into the corresponding allylsulfones, the latter ones being versatile synthetic intermediates (for example, use in Julia's olefination). 90 On the other hand, allyl stannanes are known to undergo Lewis acid catalysed allylations (similar as previously presented for allylsilanes), leading to the homoallylic alcohols. In order to prepare new functionalized pentafluorosulfanylated building-blocks, we envisaged to use our two-step sequence, including SF 5 Cl addition to allylic compounds, and then subsequent HCl elimination. We performed several attempts of the radical addition of SF 5 Cl to compounds 26-28, under Et 3 B-catalyzed conditions (Scheme 64). Nevertheless, in all cases we recovered quantitavely the starting materials. Discouraged by these unsuccessful attempts, we turned our attention to the synthesis of pentafluorosulfanylated acetylenic derivatives.

Scheme 64: Attempts of SF 5 Cl radical addition to allylic derivatives 26-28. Even if the radical addition of SF 5 X to acetylene derivatives was already reported, 36,43,[47][48][49][50][51][52] to our knowledge, above mentioned propargylic derivatives remain unknown. In order to access to new SF 5 -derivatives, we have first performed Et 3 B-catalyzed addition of SF 5 Cl to propargylic acetate 29 (Scheme 65). After several hours, the starting material was fully converted; however, a complex mixture of at least five SF 5 -products was obtained, according to 19 F NMR spectra. The presence of so many SF 5 -compounds in the reaction crude could be probably explained by the possible formation of different We next performed few attempts of dehydrochlorination/ester hydrolysis of compound 30a; nevertheless, all of them failed (Scheme 65). When the acetate 30a was heated at 80°C in aqueous solution of KOH, for several hours, only deacetylation reaction was observed.

Attempts for the synthesis of new SF 5 -propargylic derivatives

Using LiOH in DMSO at room temperature resulted in the degradation of the starting material 30a. Given the complexity of SF 5 Cl addition to propargyl acetate 29, and the failure of subsequent elimination step, we abandoned this approach.

Conclusion

A variety of unsaturated pentafluorosulfanylated building-blocks was synthesized. We have successfully developed a new methodology leading to SF 5 -acrylic esters 9,10 and amides 11,12, which are promising synthetic intermediates. Several pentafluorosulfanylated allyl silanes (21a-c) were synthesized as well; however, these novel building-blocks showed to be unreactive in allylation reactions of aldehydes. As an alternative, few SF 5 -homoallyl alcohols (22a-c and 23a-c) were synthesized in low to moderate yields, by the In-mediated allylations of aldehydes, using the SF 5 -allyl bromide 24.

Unfortunately, all attempts of the synthesis of new more functionalized SF 5 -allylic building-blocks failed, as the derivatives 26-28 showed to be unreactive toward SF 5 Cl, under Et 3 B-catalyzed conditions. On the other hand, the reaction of propargyl acetate 29 with SF 5 Cl afforded a complex mixture of products. Concerning the latter result, the use of SF 5 Br instead of SF 5 Cl could be to be an interesting alternative, as the brominated reagent is known to be a better partner in the radical additions to triple bond. 43

Chapter III

Synthesis of Pentafluorosulfanylated Heterocycles

The aim of this part of the project was to develop efficient methodologies for the synthesis of new pentafluorosulfanylated nitrogen-containing aromatic or non-aromatic heterocycles. Our discussion will begin by the attempts of the synthesis of SF 5 -pyridines.

Both, reactions of dipyridyl disulfides according to Umemoto procedure, 57 as well as Diels-Alder approach, using our previously prepared SF 5 -building blocks, will be presented. We will further investigate the synthesis of various five-membered heterocycles, by 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reactions of the SF 5 -building blocks. Synthesis of pentafluorosulfanylated pyrrolidines, isoxazolidines, isoxazolines or pyrazolines, as well as further postfunctionalisation of these new SF 5 -heterocycles, will be discussed.

Attempts for the synthesis of SF 5 -pyridines

The pyridine ring is one of the most common scaffolds present in alkaloids, drugs and agrochemicals. 93 According to the literature, on the beginning of our project, the reports concerning the synthesis of SF 5 -pyridines were very limited (see Chapter I, section

3.3.2.2.). 71a,b
As a consequence, we first focused our attention on the development of a new and efficient methodology for the direct introduction of SF 5 -group into these interesting heterocycles (Figure 29).

Direct fluorination approach

Our first idea was to use the Umemoto procedure, previously developed for the aromatic compounds. 57 We envisaged a two-step synthesis, including chlorination of a heteroaromatic thiol or disulfide (Scheme 66, (a)), followed by the reaction with a fluoride, to afford the desired SF 5 -pyridines (Scheme 66, (b)).

Scheme 66: Direct fluorination approach to SF 5 -pyridines.

We have first performed the chlorination-fluorine substitution step, using the commercially available 2,2'-dithiodipyridine 32, as starting material. The reaction was performed in acetonitrile (ACN), from 0°C to room temperature (Scheme 67). The In the meantime, Dolbier's group succeeded to synthesize pentafluorosulfanylated pyridine derivatives, using the Umemoto procedure. 70 The transformation of the SF 4 Clpyridine into the corresponding pentafluorosylfanylated derivative was carried out in the presence of silver (I) fluoride; nevertheless, this methodology was limited only to 2-SF 5pyridine derivatives. Thus, we turned our attention to the Diels-Alder reactions of our SF 5building-blocks, which could give us the access to other SF 5 -substituted pyridines.

Diels-Alder approach

Pentafluorosulfanylated acrylic derivatives were already reported to efficiently undergo Diels-Alder reactions with 1,3-dienes (Scheme 69, (a)). The cycloaddition partner, 2,4-dimethyl-5-methoxyoxazole 37, was prepared from Lalanine methyl ester hydrochloride, via a two-step procedure, according to the literature. 95 Its reaction with SF 5 -acrylic acid 8a in refluxing toluene led to the formation of two pentafluorosulfanylated compounds (conversion ~90%). According to 19 F NMR, the ratio of these two products varied, depending on the reaction time. After the purification of the crude, we found out that instead of the pentafluorosulfanylated pyridines, the products 38 and 39

were formed (Scheme 70, (a)). This could be explained by the possible mechanism depicted We have then tested Diels-Alder reactions of other SF 5 -building blocks, such as alcohol 5a, aldehyde 7, or ester 9c; nevertheless, none of them showed interesting reactivity toward oxazole 37 (Scheme 71). Either no reaction or degradation of starting materials was observed.

Given these discouraging results, we turned our attention to the synthesis of other original non-aromatic SF 5 -heterocycles.

Scheme 71: Attempts of Diels-Alder cycloaddition of building-blocks 5a, 7 or 9c with oxazole 37.

Synthesis of SF 5 -pyrrolidines

Our next goal was to synthesize new pentafluorosulfanylated pyrrolidines (Figure 30), using our previously prepared SF 5 -building blocks. In this section, we will briefly summarize general information about pyrrolidines and its mono-, and di-fluorinated, as well as trifluoromethylated derivatives. Few selected examples of the synthesis of such compounds will be also presented. We will next discuss 1,3-dipolar cycloadditions of our SF 5 -unsaturated compounds with various dipoles, leading to the first pentafluorosulfanylated pyrrolidines.

Finally, the last subsection will be devoted to the post-functionalisations of these novel nonaromatic heterocycles. In the literature, a particular attention has been given to the fluorine-containing pyrrolidines. It has been reported that the presence of one or more fluorine atoms on the pyrrolidine ring, could strongly affect the properties of those biologically active compounds. 97 For example, DNA gyrase inhibitors, containing fluorinated pyrrolidines (Figure 32), showed an enhanced antibacterial activity, improved pharmaco-kinetic properties and, in some cases, a lower genotoxicity, compared to the parent non-fluorinated analogues. 97a-c Another significant example of difluoropyrrolidine-containing active compounds, are the dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitors, for the treatement of type 2 diabetes mellitus, depicted in Figure 33. An increased selectivity, an improvement of pharmaco-kinetic profile, as well as an excellent activity (IC 50 = 6.3-12.9 nM), have been demonstrated for these derivatives. 97d,e Subsequently, a catalytic enantioselective approach for the synthesis of trifluoromethylated pyrrolidines, was developed. Taking into account the attractiveness of fluorine-containing pyrrolidines, we decided to investigate 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reactions of our new pentafluorosulfanylated building-blocks with azomethine ylides. As the properties of the SF 5 -group are considered to be close to those of the trifluoromethyl one, we were expecting the formation of new SF 5pyrrolidines, by applying conditions previously reported in CF 3 -series. 100,101

1,3-Dipolar cycloadditions of SF 5 -building blocks with azomethine ylide precursors 40a-b

For our initial studies, we selected dipole precursors 40a and 40b. These tertiary amines can easily generate the corresponding azomethine ylides 41a and 41b, in the presence of catalytic amount of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), as depicted on Scheme 74. 100

Scheme 74: Generation of azomethine ylides 41a and 41b.

To our delight, the reaction of pentafluorosulfanylated ester 9c with compound 40a, catalyzed by TFA in CH 2 Cl 2 , led to the formation of the expected pyrrolidine 42a (Scheme 75, (a)). Product 42a was isolated in 69% yield, as a racemic mixture. When the same conditions were applied to SF 5 -amide 11j, the corresponding cycloadduct 43a was formed as well; nevertheless, the starting material was converted in only 46%. The use of 2 equivalents of dipole precursor 40a resulted in almost total conversion (96%) of compound 11j, leading to product 43a in 79% isolated yield (Scheme 75, (b)).

Scheme 75: Synthesis of pentafluorosulfanylated pyrrolidines 42a and 43a.

We next engaged several pentafluorosulfanylated acrylic or allylic derivatives under the above conditions, in order to study the scope of this reaction (Figure 34). 102 We demonstrated that various SF 5 -substituted unsaturated esters, secondary and tertiary amides, as well as chiral amide, reacted with dipole precursor 40a, affording the pyrrolidines 42-43 in moderate to excellent yields. The SF 5 -allylacetate 6 proved also to be a good dipolarophile, leading to the corresponding pyrrolidine 44 in 74% yield. When the PMB-substituted dipole precursor 40b was reacted with esters 9c or 9f, the desired products 42e and 42f were isolated in 66% and 46% yield, respectively. It is worth noting that a-methylated ester 10a and amide 12 reacted as well, to give the corresponding trisubstituted pyrrolidines 42d and 43e. Lower yields (36 and 46%, respectively) were obtained, which could be probably explained by the steric hindrance of the starting materials. It is worth noting that 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of pentafluorosulfanylated diene 45 (Scheme 76), 65a donated by Dr. Petr Beier from Academy of Sciences of Czech Republic, was attempted as well. Our aim was to synthesize a new pyrrolidine derivative 46, bearing the SF 5 -substituent directly attached to the heterocycle. Such compound could be formed from the reaction of the SF 5 -substituted double bond of the diene 45 with dipole 41a. From both double bonds present in compound 45, the one bearing the SF 5 -substituent, is the more electron-deficient one; however, it is also the more sterically hindered one. Thus, the formation of another cycloadduct 47 could be expected, as well.

Scheme 76: Pyrrolidines 46 and 47 possibly obtained from diene 45.

Indeed, in the reaction of diene 45 with dipole precursor 40a, two major SF 5 -products were detected by 19 F NMR of the reaction mixture, after 2.5 h. Nevertheless, after the "standard" quenching of the reaction mixture with the saturated aqueous solution of NaHCO 3 , one of the pentafluorosulfanylated products disappeared (Table 12, entry 1).

Purification by silica gel column chromatography led to the pyrrolidine 47 in 18% yield. The same phenomenon was observed, by prolonging the reaction time to 16 h (Table 12, entry 2).

Assuming that the unstable product was the regioisomeric pyrrolidine 46, such a behaviour could be explained by a possible elimination of SF 4 and HF from this cycloadduct, under basic condition, leading to the conjugated diene 48, via the formation of carbanionintermediate (Scheme 77). Such a hypothesis was confirmed by detecting the diene 48 by GC-MS analysis of the crude mixture. Thus, in order to avoid the base-induced elimination, we performed a modified slightly acidic work-up, using the aqueous solution of NH 4 Cl at the end of the reaction (Table 12, entry 3). Unfortunately, only the pyrrolidine 47 was obtained.

Given these quite discouraging results, we did not continue further investigations of this reaction. b Isolated yield. c The crude mixture was not purified. Having successfully developed the synthesis of new pentafluorosulfanylated pyrrolidines 42-44, we then turned our attention to the use of other dipole precursors.

1,3-Dipolar cycloadditions of SF 5 -building blocks with imino esters 49a,b

After demonstrating that 1,3-dipolar cycloadditions occurred efficiently between SF 5dipolarophiles and the precursors of azomethine ylide 40a and 40b, we were next investigating reactions with imino ester. The in situ metalation of compounds 49a,b leads to the corresponding metalloazomethine dipoles 50a,b (Scheme 78), which are known to react with electron-deficient alkenes. The attractiveness of the dipole precursors 49a,b lies in the fact that by using a chiral ligand/metal complex, pyrrolidine derivatives with up to four different stereocontrolled chiral centers can be obtained.

Scheme 78: Generation of metalloazomethine dipoles 50a and 50b.

Optimisation and scope of the reaction

Our study began with the reaction of SF 5 -ester 9c with compound 49a (Table 13).

Using glycine derivative 49a (1.7 equiv), in the presence of 10 mol% AgOAc/PPh 3 and 15 mol% Et 3 N, 101 at room temperature, two regioisomeric pyrrolidines 51a and 52a were obtained in a promising 40% yield (Entry 1). When the dipole precursor 49a was used in a larger excess (3 equiv) and the quantities of AgOAc/PPh 3 and Et 3 N were increased to 20 mol% and 25 mol%, respectively, the pyrrolidines 51a and 52a were obtained in 75% yield; however, a long reaction time (90 h) was required (Entry 2). Finally, heating the reaction mixture at reflux resulted in the formation of products 51a and 52a in a good (73%) overall yield, within 21 h (Entry 3). Having the optimal conditions in hand, we performed the reaction of ester 9c with the p-methoxy-substituted dipole precursor 49b. The latter one turned out to be less reactive, allowing the conversion of SF 5 -derivative 9c into the corresponding pyrrolidines 51b and 52b

(ratio ~2:1) (Figure 36) in only 55%, after 21 h. Surprisingly, longer reaction time led to the degradation of expected products. When the SF 5 -amide 11l was engaged in the reaction with imino ester 49a, lower conversion (55%) was observed as well, and the desired pyrrolidines 51c and 52c (ratio ~2:1) (Figure 36) were isolated in an overall 48% yield.

Structure determination of pyrrolidines 51 and 52

In the above presented 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reactions, the pyrrolidines 51, 52 were generally obtained as mixtures of regioisomers. All of the products were formed as only one diastereoisomer. Their structures have been identified based on 1 H, 13 C, 2D NMR data and Xray diffraction analysis. It is worth noting that in the previously reported reactions of trifluoromethylated analogues, the corresponding CF 3 -pyrrolidines were obtained with a total regioselectivity and stereoselectivity, their structures being determined by X-ray diffraction analysis. 101 The HMBC experiment of pyrrolidine 51a, showed a strong 2 J correlation between the proton (H 4 ) adjacent to the SF 5 group and the carbon (C 5 ) bearing the phenyl substituent (Figure 37,(a)). The same relationship has been observed for all 4-SF 5 -substituted pyrrolidines (51a-c). On the other hand, the carbon (C 5 ) of the pyrrolidine 52a showed a 2 J correlation with the proton (H 4 ) adjacent to the benzyl ester group; confirming thus the presence of SF 5 group in the position 3 (Figure 37, (b)). Other 3-SF 5 -substituted pyrrolidines (52b,c) exhibited similar correlations. Furthermore, the structure of compound 51a was independently confirmed by the X-ray diffraction analysis (Figure 38). Concerning the stereochemical course of the reaction, all pentafluorosulfanylated pyrrolidines 51, 52 were formed diastereoselectively. The stereochemistry of 4-SF 5substituted pyrrolidine 51a was confirmed by the previously mentioned X-ray analysis (Figure 38), whereas the NOESY experiment, was used to determine the configuration of the 3-SF 5 -regioisomer 52a (Figure 39). The latter one showed the correlation of the proton H 2 with both protons, H 4 and H 5 , indicating their syn-configuration. On the other hand, the proton (H 3 ) adjacent to the SF 5 -group was corelated with aromatic protons (Ph, Bn), indicating the location of the proton H 3 on the opposite side of the pyrrolidine ring, than the protons H 2 , H 4 and H 5 . Figure 39: NOESY experiment of 3-SF 5 -pyrrolidine 52a.

Comparison of the results in SF 5 -and CF 3 -series

In the 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition with imino ester 49a, two major differences between the SF 5 -series and the previously reported CF 3 -one, 101 were observed. First, the rate of the reaction with pentafluorosulfanylated derivatives was much slower (21 h, at 40°C) than the one of trifluoromethylated analogues (5 h, at rt). Secondly, in the CF 3 , series the reaction was almost totally regioselective, whereas in the case of SF 5 -dipolarophiles, mixtures of 3-and 4-SF 5 -substituted regioisomers were obtained. The above theoretical study allowed us to rationalize the observed differences between the 1,3-dipolar cycloadditions of the SF 5 -and CF 3 -derivatives. Presented results of the theoretical calculations are in agreement with the experimentally observed ones.

Asymmetric version -preliminary results

Encouraged by these results, we decided to investigate the enantioselective version of this reaction. For this purpose, we replaced the triphenylphoshine by the chiral (R)-BINAP ligand. After stirring the reaction mixture at reflux, for 24 h, the starting product 9c was partially converted (50%) and, the corresponding pyrrolidines 51a and 52a were isolated in 8% and 16% yield, respectively (Scheme 80). Despite the low yield, the SF 5 -pyrrolidine 52a

was obtained with a promising 37% enantiomeric excess (determined by chiral HPLC).

Further screening of other chiral ligands and dipole precursors is currently under investigation in our laboratory.

Scheme 80: Preliminary attempt for the asymmetric 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of SF 5 -ester 9c with dipole precursor 49a.

Post-functionalizations of SF 5 -containing pyrrolidines

Having developed an efficient synthesis of original pentafluorosulfanylated pyrrolidines 42-44 and 51, 52, we next investigated post-functionalization of these novel scaffolds, which could be further incorporated into more complex structures. This approach is especially attractive, from the point of view of the synthesis of the SF 5 -containing peptides or potential biologically active compounds, such as SF 5 -analogs of DNA Gyrase inhibitors (Scheme 81). Unfortunately, all attempts of the hydrolysis of the ester 42a with an aqueous solution of LiOH, resulted only in the degradation of pentafluorosulfanylated material (Scheme 83), probably due to the elimination of SF 4 and HF as previously proposed. Therefore, we turned our attention to an alternative pathway via the alcohol 55 (Scheme 84). The oxidation of alcohol 55 to the corresponding acid 56 turned out to be more problematic (Table 14). When CrO 3 was used, as previously described for the synthesis of SF 5 -acrylic acids 8, we observed a total conversion of the starting material; however, the final product was lost during the work-up (Entry 1). Thus, we turned our attention to the preparation of aldehyde 57, which could be further transformed into the desired carboxylic acid 56.

When oxidants, such as pyridinium chlorochromate (PCC) or 2-iodoxybenzoic acid (IBX) were used, no expected aldehyde 57 was obtained. Despite testing different solvents and temperature, either no conversion, or degradation of starting material were observed (Entries 2-6). Swern oxidation also failed (Entry 7). Finally, using a catalytic amount of tetrapropylammonium perruthenate (TPAP) in the presence of N-methylmorpholine N-oxide (NMO) a partial conversion of the starting material was observed, according to 19 F NMR of the reaction mixture (Entry 8). Nevertheless, the formation of expected aldehyde 57 could not be confirmed, probably due to its decomposition during the silica flash chromatography. Given the unsuccessful attempts of the synthesis of acid 56 and aldehyde 57, we turned our attention to the preparation of SF 5 -pyrrolidinyl amines 61 and 66, which could give us the access to the pentafluorosulfanylated peptides.

Attempts for the synthesis of amines 61 and 66

We were next interested in the preparation of amines 61 and 66, which could be synthesized via nucleophilic substitution reactions of the corresponding 3-(chloromethyl)substituted pyrrolidine 58 (Scheme 85).

Scheme 85: Possible synthesis of amines 61 and 66.

The desired pyrrolidine 58 was synthesized by the chlorination reaction of alcohol 55, using thionyl chloride, within 2.5 h, in a good 73% yield (Scheme 86). Having chloride 58 in hands, we were then investigating its reactivity toward several different nucleophiles.

Scheme 86: Synthesis of 3-(chloromethyl)pyrrolidine 58.

We first desired to control the reactivity of compound 58 toward primary and secondary amines. The reactions with both benzylamine and morpholine were thus performed, but without any success. No conversion of the starting material was observed, even after heating the reaction mixture at 60°C for several hours (Scheme 87).

Scheme 89: Alternative pathway to the amine 62.

We were first investigating the reaction of pyrrolidine 58 with sodium azide (Table 15).

When compound 58 was reacted with NaN 3 (2 equiv), in DMF at room temperature, no conversion of the starting material was observed (Entry 1). Heating the reaction mixture at 60°C led to the desired product 60 in 21% yield, within 20 h (Entry 2). Surprisingly, in addition to the expected azide 60 we observed also the formation of a non-fluorinated product

63.

In order to improve the conversion, a larger excess (4 equiv) of sodium azide was used; nevertheless, after 5 h, the product 60 was isolated in only 22% yield (Entry 3). Finally, increasing the reaction time to 20 h, led to 80% higher; however, the isolated yield of the We have further performed the Staudinger reaction of azide 60, followed by the subsequent Boc-protection. The desired amine 62 was obtained in a moderate 21% isolated yield, without further optimization (Scheme 90).

Scheme 90: Synthesis of N-Boc-protected amine 62.

Having the pentafluorosulfanylated azide 60 in hand, we also desired to verify its reactivity under classical "click" chemistry conditions.105 Such approach is especially attractive, as it could allow attaching the SF 5 -pyrrolidine moiety into a selected scaffold.

To our delight, the azide 60 reacted smoothly with pent-1-yne, in the presence of Cu(I), prepared in situ from CuSO 4 /sodium ascorbate. The expected triazole 64 was obtained in non-optimized 53% yield, as only one regioisomer (Scheme 90).

Scheme 90: "Click" reaction of SF 5 -azide 60.

In the next step of our investigations on the functionalized SF 5 -pyrrolidine scaffolds, we were interested in the preparation of amine 66. This compound could be synthesized by the reduction of the corresponding nitrile 65. In order to avoid the reaction of chloride 58 Finally, the deprotection of benzyl group was possible by treating the pyrrolidine 43a with 1-chloroethylchloroformate followed by methanolysis. 107 The desired amine 69•HCl was directly protected by a Boc-group, leading to the expected product 70, in 24% overall isolated yield (Scheme 94).

with
Scheme 94: Synthesis of N-Boc-protected pyrrolidine 70.

Taking into account the successful synthesis of a variety of original functionalized pentafluorosulfanylated pyrrolidines, we desired to extend our strategy, based on the 1,3dipolar cycloadditions, to other non-aromatic heterocycles. The synthesis of new pentafluorosulfanylated isoxazolidines, will be presented in the following section.

Synthesis of SF 5 -isoxazolidines

In the next part of our project, we were investigating 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reactions of SF 5 -acrylic esters and amides with various substituted nitrones. The aim was to synthesize first SF 5 -substituted isoxazolidines (Figure 42). Before describing our attempts in detail, we will shortly present the general information about 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reactions of nitrones. An important aspect of 1,3-dipolar cycloaddtion reactions of nitrones is the regioselectivity. In cycloadditions of non-polarized alkenes, steric factors play an important role. Generally, the most hindered extremity of the dipolarophile adds to the oxygen atom of the nitrone, leading to 5-substituted isoxazolidine (Scheme 96, (a)). 112 However, in the case of 1,3-dipolar cycloadditions of electron-poor alkenes, steric factors can be counterbalanced by electronic effects, and the "usual regioselectivity" can be reversed.

This phenomenon can be explained by the fact that the transition state of the concerted 1,3dipolar cycloaddition reaction is controlled by the frontier molecular orbitals (FMO) of the substrates. Three main cases of 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reactions of nitrones are therefore observed, depending on the alkene substitution: One year later, 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reactions using the same unsaturated ester and its substituted (R = Me, CF 3 ) derivatives with N-benzyl-C-ethoxycarbonylnitrone were described (Scheme 98). 115 These reactions were reported to be totally regioselective. The only obtained regioisomer was the one bearing the CF 3 -group on the carbon C-5 of the isoxazolidine ring. The diastereoselectivity varied from 100:0 to 33:67, depending on the substitution of dipolarophiles. 115 To the best of our knowledge, no example of pentafluorosulfanylated isoxazolidines was reported up to date; therefore, we were interested in their synthesis.

115 Bravo, P.; Bruché, L.; Fronza, G.; Zecchi, G. Tetrahedron 1992, 44, 9775.

Initially, we focused our attention on the reactions of our acrylic SF 5 -building blocks with the usual nitrone 71a (Scheme 100). The first attempt of cycloaddition of SF 5 -benzylic ester 9c with 71a (1.3. equiv) in CH 2 Cl 2 at room temperature for 12 h, or in refluxing DCE for 12 h, failed (conversion: ~0%). After stirring the ester 9c and nitrone 71a neat at 100°C

for 20 h, we observed the formation of a new pentafluorosulfanylated product; however, the starting ester 9c was still present in the reaction mixture (~55% according to 19 F NMR).

Increasing the time of reaction did not improve the conversion. The final product 72a was isolated in 13% yield. In order to improve the yield, we increased the temperature of the reaction up to 150°C, but after 3.5 h, we observed partial degradation of the final product.

The same effect was observed when the reaction was performed at 150°C under microwave irradiation (200 W).

When changing the ester 9c for the secondary amide 11l, the corresponding isoxazolidine 72b was obtained in 16% yield. Dibenzylamide 11j was shown to be a little more reactive toward nitrone 71a, as the corresponding cycloadduct 72c was formed in a slightly better yield of 24%. Nevertheless, in all 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reactions with nitrone 71a, we observed low conversions (no more than ~50%) -the starting ester and amides were always recovered from the reaction mixtures, even after a long reaction time. It is worth noting that all cycloadducts 72a-c were obtained as only one regio-and diastereoisomer. The regio-and diastereoselectivities of these reactions will be discussed in the Section 3.2.3. We then turned our attention to the nitrone 71b which is known to be more reactive. 118c

Cycloaddition reactions were performed under two sets of conditions: in nitromethane at 100°C (a polar solvent could enhance the dipole reactivity), or neat at 100°C. In both cases, the reactions of ester 9c with nitrone 71b afforded the isoxazolidine 73a in low yields (13-15%, Table 16, entries 1 and 2), as a mixture of two diastereoisomers. To our delight, reactions of dibenzylamide 11j and morpholinoamide 11l with nitrone 71b (Table 16, entries 3-6) gave the corresponding cycloadducts 73b and 73c with significantly better yields (50% and 46% respectively), as mixtures of diastereoisomers. Long-chain tertiary amide 11k

reacted also with nitrone 71b to give isoxazolidine 73d with a moderate 31% yield (Table 16,entry 7). When the secondary amide 11a was reacted with the nitrone 71b, the corresponding isoxazolidine 73e was diastereoselectively obtained in 17% yield (Table 16, entry 8). Finally, when we performed the reaction with the SF 5 -allylic acetate 6, the isoxazolidine 73f was obtained in 23% yield as only one diastereoisomer (Table 16, entry 9). This last result showed that SF 5 -derivative bearing an electron donating group on the double bond, led to similar yield and the same regioselectivity as the electron-poor SF 5 -derivatives 6 or 8.

Conclusions of all attempts of cycloadditions with nitrone 37b are as follows: firstly, the reactions in nitromethane required longer time, leading to lower conversions and yields, than those without solvent (Table 16, entries 2, 4, 6 vs 1, 3, 5). Secondly, increasing either the reaction time or heating at higher temperature did not improve the conversion of the reaction, because a partial degradation of the final product was observed. Thirdly, in all reactions we observed the total regioselectivityonly the cycloadducts bearing SF 5 -group on carbon C-4 of isoxazolidine ring were obtained. Finally, since nitrone 71b was used as a mixture of Eand Z-stereoisomers, most of the isoxazolidines in this series was obtained as mixtures of diastereoisomers, except for the derivatives 73e and 73f. As the nitrone 71b bearing an electron withdrawing group led to the isoxazolidines 73a-f with better yields (up to 50%) than its phenyl analogue 71a, we were expecting good results with the activated nitrone 71c, as well. Unfortunately, the replacement of the ester group by the cyano one did not bring any improvement. Isoxazolidines 74a,b were obtained with lower yields (13% and 20%, respectively) than the corresponding cycloadducts 73a-f (Scheme 101). Moreover, longer reaction times were required (13-21 h instead of 40 minutes). Only 4-SF 5 -regioisomers were formed in these reactions. All isoxazolidines in this series were also obtained as mixtures of diastereoisomers, which is in accordance with the stereochemistry of the starting nitrone 71c. Nitrones 71d and 71e, with an additional methyl substituent on the double bond, turned out to be bad partners in 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reactions with our SF 5 -building-blocks.

We made several attempts of reactions of these dipoles with ester 9c and amide 11j, but even after long reaction times (14-20 h), neat, at 100°C, only traces of the expected isoxazolidines were observed (Table 17). This lack of reactivity could be probably explained by both the steric hindrance of nitrones 71d,e and the bulkiness of the SF 5 -group.

Structural determination of SF 5 -isoxazolidines 72-74

In the reactions of SF 5 -ester 9c, amides 11 and acetate 6 with nitrones 71a-c, all the cycloadducts were obtained as a unique regioisomer, bearing the SF 5 -group on the position 4 of the isoxazolidine ring. Regarding the diastereoselectivity of these reactions, some heterocycles were obtained as diastereoisomeric mixtures, whereas others as only one diastereoisomer, depending on the configuration of nitrone and the substituents on the dipolarophile.

The regiochemistry of compounds 72-74 was determined from their 1 H, 13 C, 2D NMR data and X-ray diffraction analysis. In 13 C NMR spectra of all cycloadducts, we observed the Finally, the X-ray diffraction analysis of the isoxazolidine 73c (Figure 46), confirmed the placement of the SF 5 group at the carbon C-4 of the ring. This analysis also proved the trans-relationship between the 4-SF 5 -substituent and the 5-amide group, which is in accordance with the stereochemistry of the starting dipolarophile 11l. The trans-configuration between the 4-SF 5 -substituent and the 3-ester group was proved as well. A comparison of selected 19 F and 13 C NMR chemical shifts and some coupling constants was made, for the set of compounds 73a-f (Table 18). The diastereoisomeric ratios varied from 50:50 (for compounds 73b,d) to 100:0 (for compounds 73e,f). The values of chemical shifts for the SF 5 -group ( 19 F NMR) as well as for the carbons C-3, C-4 and C-5 ( 13 C NMR), were very similar for diastereoisomer n°1 of all isoxazolidines 73a-f (red colour in Table 18). We observed the same regularity for the second diastereoisomers (blue colour in Table 18). These data clearly indicated a strong similarity of the chemical environments in both series of diastereoisomers. As the 3,4-trans and 4,5-trans configurations of the major diastereoisomer of compound 73c were proved by X-ray diffraction analysis, we could reasonably assign the same configurations for all major diastereoisomers of isoxazolidines.

The trend seems to be the same for heterocycles 72a-c and 74a-c; therefore, this proposal could be extended to other cycloadducts. 89.9 (m) 88.7 (q t , 2 J C,F = 10.9 Hz)

Table 18: 19 F and 13 C NMR data for isoxazolidines 73a-f.

Explanation of the regioselectivity and diastereoselectivity

Having established the exact structure of our pentafluorosulfanylated isoxazolidines, we can conclude once again that there is a significant difference between the regioselectivity of 1,3-dipolar cycloadditions with the SF 5 -dipolarophiles 6, 9c and 11, and their CF 3 -analogs.

Indeed, in the reactions of SF 5 -unsaturated compounds with nitrones 71a-c, we observed exclusively the formation of 4-SF 5 -isoxazolidines. This observation is different that the regioselectivity of the reactions of ethyl 4,4,4-trifluorocrotonate, in which the mixture of 4and 5-regioisomers (Scheme 97) or only 5-CF 3 -regioisomer (Scheme 98) were obtained.

Regarding previously described cycloadditions of nitrones with sulfur-substituted alkenes, 119 such reactions showed diverse regioselectivities. 1,3-Dipolar cycloadditions of sulfides led mainly to the regioisomer bearing the sulphur substituent on the carbon C-5 of the isoxazolidine ring. Reactions with sulfoxides gave the 4-substituted regioisomers, whereas sulfones generally led to the mixtures of both regioisomers. 119 Up to date nothing is known about the regioselectivity of the cycloadditions of nitrones with SF 5 -substituted alkenes. However Dolbier et al. 69 recently reported the cycloadditions of SF 5 -substituted acetylenes with C,N-arylnitrones. These reactions led exclusively to 4-SF 5 -isoxazolines which is in accordance with our observations.

In order to explain the regioselectivity of 1,3-dipolar cycloadditions of our pentafluorosulfanylated compounds 9c, 11 and 6 with nitrones, mechanistic investigations as well as theoretical calculations were made (collaboration with Dr. V. Tognetti and Pr. L.

Joubert). For 4-SF 5 -regioisomers, we can easily explain its formation by a concerted 1,3dipolar cycloaddition mechanism, in which both, O-C and C-C bonds, are formed simultaneously (Scheme 102).

Scheme 102: Mechanism for the formation of 4-SF 5 regioisomers.

Although no 5-SF 5 -regioisomer was detected in the crude mixture, in most of the reactions we observed two singlets in 19 F NMR spectra (-153 ppm and +75 ppm respectively), which disappeared after the evaporation of the solvent. As an important part of the SF 5 -material was lost in these cycloadditions (there were significant differences between the conversions and the isolated yields), we proposed a mechanism based on the elimination of pentafluorosulfanyl anion, as depicted in Scheme 103. First, the 5-SF 5 -isoxazolidine could be formed via the 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reaction. This cycloadduct would probably be unstable, due to the presence of the oxygen atom at the α-position of the SF 5 -group, and an easy elimination of the pentafluorosulfanyl anion could occur. At this stage, the oxonium (I)

and the pentafluorosulfanyl anion (SF 5 -

) would be formed. The latter one could spontaneously decompose into SF 4 , which is a gas, and the fluoride anion (F -). Similar elimination of the SF 5 -group was already described in the literature. 77 The second important issue to discuss is the diastereoselectivity of these cycloaddition reactions, which generally depends on the configuration of the starting nitrone, and on the substituents at the double C=C bond of dipolarophile. Only one diastereoisomer was detected in our reactions with nitrones possessing a fixed E-or Z-configuration, while either a sole diastereoisomer, or both diastereoisomeric isoxazolidines were obtained in the reactions with nitrones showing mixtures E/Z-configurations. To explain that, we depicted in Scheme 104 all possible endo-and exo-approaches of the SF 5 -dipolarophile on the E-and Z-nitrones. In the cycloaddition reactions of nitrone 71a having a pure Z-geometry, only the 3,4-trans diastereoisomers were obtained. Such configuration is probably the result of the endoapproach of the dipolarophile (approach B), which minimizes the steric interactions between the bulky SF 5 -group and the phenyl substituent (on carbons C-4 and C-3, respectively). In the case of nitrones 71b and 71c, existing as mixtures of E-and Z-isomers, the 3,4-transisoxazolidines could be formed, as previously, by the endo-approach on the Z-nitrones (approach B), but also by the exo-approach on the E-nitrone (approach A). Both approaches minimize steric interactions between the SF 5 -and the R 3 -substituents; however, the approach A suffers simultaneously from the steric interactions between the Z-moiety and the nitrone.

As a consequence, the approach A is possible only with less sterically demanding Z-groups, such as for example CONHBn (73e) or CH 2 OAc (73f), leading exclusively to 3,4-trans- diastereoisomer. For the alkenes with more bulky Z-group, SF 5 -endo-approaches (B and C) are more favoured, thus the diastereoisomeric mixtures are obtained.

Scheme 104: Possible explanation of the favoured 3,4-trans relative configuration of isoxazolidines 73a-f.

The stereoselectivity is therefore the resultant of the balance between two different steric interactions. If the SF 5 -dipolarophile bears a bulky Z-substituent, then the SF 5 -endoapproaches (B and C) will be favoured and a mixture of diastereoisomers will be obtained.

In the opposite case, minimizing the steric interactions with SF 5 -group will lead only to 3,4trans-diastereoisomer (approaches A and B).

Attempts for the synthesis of SF 5 -isoxazolines

Having successfully developped the synthesis of pentafluorosulfanylated pyrrolidines and isoxazolidines, we continued to explore the preparation of other SF 5 -substituted fivemembered heterocycles. Our next goal was to get the access to pentafluorosulfanylated isoxazolines (Figure 47), starting from SF 5 -acrylic building-blocks.

A brief state of the art

Similarly as other nitrogen-containing heterocycles, isoxazolines are present in many biologically active compounds and natural products.121 Concerning their preparation, 1,3dipolar cycloaddition reactions of alkenes or alkynes, with nitrile oxides or nitrones, respectively, are commonly used.

The synthesis of SF 5 -substituted 4-isoxazolines, based on the 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of SF 5 -acetylenes with nitrones, was very recently reported (Scheme 105, (a)). 69 We decided to develop an alternative methodology, leading to pentafluorosulfanylated 2-isoxasolines, by the reaction of SF 5 -acrylic derivatives with nitrile oxides (Scheme 105, (b)).

Scheme 105: Synthesis of pentafluorosulfanylated isoxazolines.

Attempts for 1,3-dipolar cycloadditions of SF 5 -acrylic esters 9 and amides 11 with nitrile oxides 78, 81 and 83

We were first interested in the reactions of SF 5 -acrylic ester 9c with the common phenylnitrile oxide 78, which could be generated from the corresponding benzohydroxyiminoyl chloride 77, in the presence of a base (such as triethylamine), as depicted on Scheme 106.

Scheme 106: Generation of phenylnitrile oxide 78.

1,3-Dipolar cycloaddition of SF 5 -derivative 9c with in situ generated nitrile oxide 78

was first investigated (Table 19). No formation of the expected isoxazolines was observed either at room temperature, or in refluxing dichloromethane, even after 64 hours (Entries 1, 2). We have than performed a reaction in refluxing dichloroethane, but without any success (Entry 3). After the evaporation of the solvent and heating the residue at 110°C for 16 h, no conversion of the starting material was observed, as well (Entry 4). We have finaly performed the reaction in two-steps: first, the nitrile oxide 78 was prepared in the presence of NaOH in Et 2 O and isolated; then, it was reacted with the SF 5 -ester 9c, neat, at 140°C. Unfortunately we did not observe the formation of the desired SF 5 -isoxazolines (Entry 5). a According to 19 F NMR of the crude mixture. b The reaction was performed in two steps.

Table 19: Attempts for the 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of SF 5 -ester 9c with nitrile oxide 78.

Taking into consideration a possible competitive dimerization of nitrile oxide 78, 122 we performed a test reaction with non-fluorinated acrylate, with the objective to confirm the ability of nitrile oxide 78 to undergo 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition. By reacting nitrile oxide 78 with ethyl acrylate, the expected isoxazoline 79 was obtained in good yield (Scheme 107).

Therefore, one may deduce that the lack of the reactivity in 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of nitrile oxide 78 with ester 9c, came from the SF 5 -derivative, and not from the dipole. Such observation could be probably due to a high steric hindrance of the SF 5 -substituent, as well as the competing electronic effects of the SF 5 -and ester-group in compound 9c. Discouraged by the lack of the reactivity of the pentafluorosulfanylated alkenes in all above described reactions, we abandoned this approach, and turned our attention to 1,3dipolar reactions with other dipoles.

Attempts for the synthesis of SF 5 -pyrazolines

As part of our research program for new pentafluorosulfanylated heterocycles, we were next interested in 1,3-dipolar cycloadditions of SF 5 -esters 9 and amides 11 with diazomethane derivatives, which can potentially lead to new pentafluorosulfanylated pyrazolines (Figure 48).

State of the art

Pyrazolines do not only play an important role in drug discovery, displaying a broad spectrum of biological activities, 123 but they can also serve as precursors for the synthesis of other scaffolds, such as cyclopropanes, pyrazoles, or diamines. 124 Among all diazomethane derivatives which could be used in 1,3-dipolar cycloadditions, we were especially attracted by the easily available trimethylsilyldiazomethane and trifluoromethyldiazomethane.

Concerning the previously reported examples of 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of electrondeficient alkenes with diazomethane and its derivatives, we first focused our attention on the reactions with trifluoromethylated acrylates. It has been reported that 1,3-dipolar cycloadditions of the CF 3 -substituted acrylic derivatives with diazomethane proceeded smoothly, leading to the corresponding cycloadducts in good yields (Scheme 109). 125 In most of cases, D 2 -pyrazoline was obtained as the sole, or largely predominant, product.

Scheme 109: 1,3-Dipolar cycloadditions of diazomethane with CF 3 -acrylates.

Because of its commercial availability, TMS-diazomethane constitutes a good alternative to a highly explosive and toxic diazomethane. In previously reported 1,3-dipolar cycloadditions with a,b-unsaturated esters, TMS-diazomethane led to unstable D 1pyrazolines, which after further isomerization or desilylation, and quenching with benzyl chloroformate, afforded the corresponding D 2 -pyrazolines (Scheme 110). 126 Concerning the trifluoromethyldiazomethane, 1,3-dipolar cycloadditions engaging this reagent could offer an entry to the pyrazolines containing CF 3 -substituent.

Trifluoromethyldiazomethane was easily generated in situ from the commercially available 2,2,2-trifluoroethylamine, according to Dr. Mykhailiuk's procedure. 127 The 1,3-dipolar cycloadditions of CF 3 -diazomethane with electron-deficient alkenes were reported to afford trifluoromethylated D 1 -or D 2 -pyrrazolines in excellent yields (Scheme 111). Therefore, applying these conditions to our SF 5 -electron-deficient alkenes, appeared especially attractive.

Scheme 111: 1,3-Dipolar cycloadditions of CF 3 -diazomethane with electron-deficient alkenes.

Attempts for 1,3-dipolar cycloadditions of esters 9 and amides 11 with diazomethane derivatives

We started our investigation of 1,3-dipolar cycloadditions with diazomethane derivatives, by the reaction of SF 5 -acrylic ester 9c with trimethylsilyldiazomethane (Scheme 112). After 5 hours at room temperature, in toluene, the 19 F NMR of the reaction mixture showed a complete conversion of the starting material, and the presence of one SF 5 -product was detected. Unfortunately, after purifying the crude product by column chromatography on the silica gel, the non-fluorinated pyrazole 84 was exclusively obtained in good yield (confirmed by 2D NMR, and GC-MS analysis). Despite our efforts, we did not succeed to synthesize the targeted pentafluorosulfanylated pyrazolines. Given the elimination of the SF 5 -group in the reactions with TMS-diazomethane, as well as the lack of the reactivity in the reactions with CF 3diazomethane, this approach was abandoned.

Conclusion

We have successfully developed the synthesis of original pentafluorosulfanylated fivemembered heterocycles. Our strategy, based on 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reactions of SF 5acrylic derivatives, turned out to be applicable to various dipoles; nevertheless, some limitations have been found. We have also performed 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reactions of SF 5 -acrylic buildingblocks 6 and 9-11 with nitrones 71a-e leading to the original 4-SF 5 -isoxazolidines 72-76, with a total regioselectivity. The diastereoselectivity of these reactions depended on the nature of the nitrone and the dipolarophile, and was explained by endo-and exo-approaches of the SF 5 -dipolarophiles on the nitrones. Structures of 4-SF 5 -regioisomers were assigned by NMR experiments and by X-ray diffraction analysis. Although these pentafluorosulfanylated isoxazolidines were obtained in low to moderate yields, we proposed two mechanistic pathways (based on the elimination of SF 5 -anion) which could reasonably explain the loss of SF 5 -materials, as well as the observed regioselectivity. Our mechanistic considerations were supported by the theoretical calculations.

Several attempts for the synthesis of other nitrogen-containing pentafluorosulfanylated heterocycles, such as SF 5 -pyridines, SF 5 -isoxazolines, or SF 5 -pyrazolines, have been performed as well; nevertheless, all of them failed. The main limitation of the preparation of pentafluorosulfanylated pyridines via the Umemoto's procedure was the low stability of the SF 4 Cl-intermediates. The cycloaddition reactions of SF 5 -derivatives with oxazole, nitrile oxides or diazomethane derivatives were unsuccesfull, due to the lack of reactivity of the SF 5 -building-blocks, on the one hand, or to a spontanous b-elimination of the SF 5 -anion, on the other hand.

General Conclusion and Perspectives

Conclusion

New pentafluorosulfanylated building-blocks, such as a,b-unsaturated SF 5 -containing esters and amides, SF 5 -allylsilanes or SF 5 -homoallylic alcohols, have been prepared. Their reactivity was then investigated, some of them being successfully applied in 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reactions leading to the original five-membered nitrogen-containing heterocycles, such as pentaflurosulfanylated pyrrolidines or isoxazolidines.

Our attention was first turned to pentafluorosulfanylated allylic and acrylic derivatives.

We have elaborated an efficient and straightforward synthesis of SF 5 -substituted acrylic esters 9-10 and amides 11-12 (Figure 48). Our four-step sequence started from the radical addition of SF 5 Cl to the commercially available allylic acetate derivatives. The key-step of this strategy was the coupling reactions of SF 5 -acrylic acids with alcohols or amines.

Esterification reactions were catalyzed by DCC/DMAP/HOBt system, whereas amidifications were efficient in the presence of both, DCC/HOBt or T 3 P/Et 3 N systems. Our new method turned out to be compatible with a variety of substrates, constituting a good alternative for the previously described syntheses of SF 5 -acrylic esters. These new pentafluorosulfanylated derivatives constitute a class of versatile building-blocks, which are especially interesting for cycloaddtion reactions. We have also succeeded to synthesize new pentafluorosulfanylated allylsilanes 21a-c

(Figure 49), using the same type of strategy, based on the radical addition of SF 5 Cl to allylsilanes. Unfortunately, despite our efforts, all attempts of allylation reactions of aldehydes, using our new SF 5 -allylsilanes, failed. Nevertheless, we were able to access to the desired pentafluorosulfanylated homoallylic alcohols 22a-c and 23a-c (Figure 49), by another method. They were obtained as regioisomeric g-and a-products, by the In-mediated reactions of SF 5 -allylbromide with different aldehydes. The low yields of these reactions could be explained by a possible formation of an allylindium intermediate, in which fluorine atoms of the SF 5 -group could probably coordinate to the metal, making the further reaction impossible.

Despite the quite disappointing yields, this allylation remains the first example of Inmediated reaction, using a pentafluorosulfanylated coumpound. Unfortunately, the introduction of the SF 5 -group into other unsaturated derivatives turned out to be more problematic. Our attempts of the SF 5 Cl addition to allyl sulfide, allyl stannane or allyl phosphine failed. The analogous reaction with propargyl acetate and SF 5 Cl led also to a complex mixture of pentafluorosulfanylated products.

Having the new pentafluorosulfanylated building-blocks in hand, we have developed an efficient synthesis of original SF 5 -containing pyrrolidines (Figure 50). Disubstituted and tetrasubstituted pyrrolidines were obtained by 1,3-dipolar cycloadditions of SF 5 -acrylic derivatives with two different types of azomethine ylides (41a,b and 50a,b). A comparative study between CF 3 -and SF 5 -acrylic derivatives was performed for these 1,3-dipolar cycloadditions. In the tetrasubstituted series (pyrrolidines 51, 52), significant differences were observed, compared to the previously reported reactions of trifluoromethyl analogues.

The first one concerned the rate of the reaction, which was much slower in the case of SF 5derivatives; the second one was the regioselectivity. Both of these differences were explained by a convergent DFT-conceptual DFT-QTAIM theoretical study. We have further performed an attempt of the enantioselective 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition with azomethine ylide 50a.

Although, we have not yet obtained a satisfactory enantiomeric excess (ee ~37%) at this stage, the result is promising, and further investigation should give us the access to the first enantiopure SF 5 -pyrrolidines. Finally, a series of chemical transformations of the disubstituted SF 5 -pyrrolidines 42-44 was performed. Using classical conditions of postfunctionalization, we succeeded the synthesis of original pentafluorosulfanylated pyrrolidines (60, 62, 70), which could be further introduced into peptides or potential biologically active compounds, such as for example DNA-gyrase inhibitors.

The first synthesis of pentafluorosulfanylated isoxazolidines was developed as well.

1,3-Dipolar cycloadditions of our SF 5 -acrylic esters and amides with various nitrones led to these original heterocycles in moderate yields. Once again, the regioselectivity of these reactions was compared to the one observed in CF 3 -series. In order to explain the observed regioselectivity and the low yields of the reaction, we proposed two pathways, including the loss of SF 4 and HF from one of the regioisomeric isoxazolidines. Our mechanistic considerations were again confirmed by convergent DFT-CDFT-QTAIM theoretical study. Despite all our efforts, the attempts for the synthesis of other pentafluorosulfanylated heterocycles, such as SF 5 -pyridines, SF 5 -isoxazolines, or SF 5 -pyrazolines, failed. Our first approach using the Umemoto's methodology for the preparation of pentafluorosulfanylated pyridines was promising. Nevertheless, during our investigations, Dolbier's group has reported the synthesis of 2-pyridylsulfur pentafluorides using the same approach; thus, we turned our attention to another strategy. Attempts of Diels-Alder reaction of SF 5 -acrylic acid with oxazoles were unsuccessful, leading exclusively to the opening of the oxazole ring, whereas other SF 5 -building blocks turned out to be unreactive under these conditions. The lack of the reactivity of pentafluorosulfanylated acrylic derivatives was also observed in the reactions with nitrile oxides, making impossible the synthesis of SF 5 -substituted isoxazolines.

Finally, in the reactions of SF 5 -acrylic compounds with diazomethane derivatives, either the lack of the reactivity, or the elimination of SF 5 -group was observed.

In conclusion, we have demonstrated that in many reactions, the behaviour of the pentafluorosulfanylated derivatives is quite different than the one of trifluoromethylated compounds. The main drawback in the reactions of SF 5 -derivatives (especially the cycloadducts) is their tendency to undergo a spontanous b-elimination of SF 4 and HF in basic medium, leading to non-fluorinated products. Despite this obstacle, we succeeded to synthesize a variety of new pentafluorosulfanylated building-blocks and few five-membered nitrogen-containing heterocycles.

Perspectives

Two main objectives for a future work on pentafluorosulfanylated derivatives are envisaged in our laboratory. The first one is the synthesis of first enantiopure tetrasubstituted SF 5 -pyrrolidines, and the second one is the introduction of a functionalized SF 5 -pyrrolidine motif into peptides or potential biologically active compounds.

We have already performed first attempts of asymetric 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of our SF 5 -acrylic derivative 9c with azomethine ylide 50a, leading to the corresponding SF 5pyrrolidines 51a and 52a with a promising 37% enantiomeric excess. The screening of other metal/chiral ligand complexes is currently under investigation in our laboratory. The influence of other parameters, such as temperature and time of the reaction, the type of dipole, dipolarophile, or base, on the enantiomeric excess will be investigated as well (Scheme 115).

Scheme 115: Asymmetric 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of SF 5 -acrylic derivatives 9 and 11 with azomethine ylides.

Concerning the synthesis of pentafluorosulfanylated compounds of biological interest, we have already demonstrated that the SF 5 -pyrrolidines (motif found in natural or active products) are able to undergo various chemical transformations, leading to the cyclic amines (60, 62, 70), which could be further introduced into more complex structures. We envisage the optimisation of some steps: especially the nucleophilic substitution of pyrrolidine 58 with phtalimide potassium salt, followed by the deprotection, or the cleavage of benzyl group from the pyrrolidines 42-44, in order to improve the overall yields of funtionalized pyrrolidines.

Coupling reactions of derivative 62 could be further performed in order to obtain pentafluorosulfanylated peptides (Scheme 116, (a)). The incorporation of the heterocycle 70 into pyridone scaffolds (via S N Ar type reaction), leading to the potential pentafluorosulfanylated antibacterial agents, could be also attempted (Scheme 116, (b)). In a 100 mL three-neck flask, equipped with an inlet and outlet of gas, distilled hexane (30 mL) was introduced. The reaction mixture was cooled to -50°C, and SF 5 Cl (15.2 g, 1.3 equiv, 93.5 mmol) was condensed into the flask (the trap filled with NaOH aq solution was installed after the gas outlet tube). Prop-2-enyl acetate 1a (7.8 mL, 1.0 equiv, 71.9 mmol) and Et 3 B (7.0 mL, 0.1 equiv, 7.2 mmol, 1 M in hexane) were added dropwise and the reaction mixture was allowed to reach -30°C. The reaction mixture was stirred at this temperature for 1 h and then it was left at room temperature overnight. The resulting mixture was passed through a short silica gel plug and the latter was washed with n-pentane (2 x 50 mL) and CH 2 Cl 2 (3 x 50 mL). The filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure to give the desired product 3a as a colourless liquid (18.4 g, 97%). (s, CH 2 OAc), 73.1 (q t , 2 J C,F = 14.9 Hz, CH 2 SF 5 ), 170.1 (s, C=O).

Synthesis of SF

2-Chloro-3-pentafluorosulfanylpropyl acetate 3a

2-Chloro-2-methyl-3-pentafluorosulfanylpropyl acetate 3b

The title compound was synthesised from acetate 1b (2.0 mL, 1.0 equiv, 16. 13 C NMR (CDCl 3 , 75 MHz): δ 20.6 (s, CH 3 ), 30.6 (s, CH 3 (C)Cl), 43.2 (q t , 3 J C,F = 5.1 Hz, CH 3 C(Cl)CH 2 SF 5 ), 63.5 (s, CH 2 OAc), 68.3 (q t , 2 J C,F = 15.0 Hz, CH 2 SF 5 ), 168.1 (s, C=O).

Typical procedure for the elimination-hydrolysis reaction

Solution of KOH (7.76 g, 2.2 equiv, 0.138 mol) in water (40 mL) was added to compound 3a (16.57 g, 1.0 equiv, 0.063 mol). The reaction mixture was stirred vigorously at room temperature for 18 h. After the completion of the reaction, CH 2 Cl 2 (30 mL) was added to the reaction mixture and it was stirred vigorously for 5 minutes. The phases were separated and the aqueous phase was washed with CH 2 Cl 2 (2 x 30 mL). Combined organic phases were dried over MgSO 4 and concentrated under reduced pressure to give the desired product 5a as a colourless liquid (10.89 g, 94%).

(E)-3-Pentafluorosulfanylprop-2-en-1-ol 5a 42,77

IR (cm -1 ): 3332, 1448, 1371, 1095.

19 F NMR (CDCl 3 /CFCl 3 , 282 MHz): δ 62.9 (dd, 4F, 2 J F,F = 150.9 Hz, 3 J F,H = 3.5 Hz), 83.1 (m, 1F).

1 H NMR (CDCl 3 , 300 MHz): δ 1.70 (t, 1H, 3 J H,H = 5.6 Hz, OH), 4.39 (m, 2H, CH 2 OH), 6.61 (dm, 1H, 3 J H,H = 14.6 Hz, CH=CHSF 5 ), 6.68-6.81 (m, 1H, CH=CHSF 5 ).

(E/Z)-2-Methyl-3-pentafluorosulfanylprop-2-en-1-ol 5b

The title compound was synthesised from acetate 3b (3.70 g, 1.0 equiv, 13.4 mmol)

and KOH (1.65 g, 2.2 equiv, 29.4 mol) in water (4.5 mL) at 60°C according to the typical procedure. The desired product 5b (E/Z mixture ~3:1) was obtained after work-up as a colourless liquid (1.87 g, 71%). .24 (q t , 1H, 3 J H,F = 8.7 Hz, C=CHSF 5 ).

IR (cm

Acetylation of SF 5 -allylic alcohol 5a

Alcohol 5a (1.0 g, 1.0 equiv, 5.43 mmol) was dissolved in dry CH 2 Cl 2 (13 mL) and it was cooled to 0°C. Acetyl chloride (0.42 mL, 1.1. equiv, 5.92 mmol) and distilled pyridine (0.47 mL, 1.1 equiv, 5.92 mmol) were added dropwise to this solution and the reaction mixture was stirred at 0°C for 6 h. Water (6 mL) was then added to the reaction mixture and the phases were separated. The organic phase was washed with brine (6 mL), water (6 mL), dried over MgSO 4 and concentrated under reduced pressure to afford the desired product 6 as a colourless oil (1.2 g, 94%).

(E)-3-Pentafluorosulfanylprop-2-en-1-yl acetate 6 46

19 F NMR (CDCl 3 /CFCl 3 , 282 MHz): δ 62.4 (dm, 4F, 2 J F,F = 149.2 Hz), 82.0 (m, 1F).

1 H NMR (CDCl 3 , 300 MHz): δ 2.15 (s, 3H, CH 3 ), 4.74 (m, 2H, CH 2 OAc), 6.56 (dm, 1H,

3 J H,H = 14.9 Hz, CH=CHSF 5 ), 6.62-6.71 (m, 1H, CH=CHSF 5 ).

Typical procedure for the oxidation of SF 5 -allylic alcohols 5a,b to acids 8a,b

CrO 3 (46.2 g, 4 equiv, 0.46 mol) was dissolved in glacial acetic acid (417.0 mL, 63 equiv, 7.27 mol) and water (47 mL) and it was cooled to 5°C. Allylic alcohol 5a (21.3 g, equiv, 0.12 mol) was added dropwise to this solution (temperature during the addition:

5-9°C). The reaction mixture was stirred at 5-9°C for 2 h and then it was left at room temperature overnight. The reaction mixture was then diluted with water (400 mL)

and extracted with Et 2 O (5 x 200 mL). The combined organic phase was washed with brine (50 mL), dried over MgSO 4 and concentrated under reduced pressure. The crude product was purified by Kugelrohr distillation (65-70°C, 2 mbar) to afford the desired product 8a as a colourless solid with a low melting point (25-27°C) (14.86 g, 65%).

(E)-3-Pentafluorosulfanylprop-2-enoic acid 8a 42b

IR (cm -1 ): 3101, 1717, 1263.

19 F NMR (CDCl 3 /CFCl 3 , 282 MHz): δ 62.3 (dm, 4F, 2 J F,F = 150.9 Hz), 78.0 (m, 1F).

1 H NMR (CDCl 3 , 300 MHz): δ 6.61 (d, 1H, 3 J H,H = 14.7 Hz, CH=CHSF 5 ), 7.53 (dm, 1H,

3 J H,H = 14.7 Hz, CH=CHSF 5 ), 10.61 (br s, 1H, COOH).

(E/Z)-2-Methyl-3-pentafluorosulfanylprop-2-enoic acid 8b

The title compound was synthesized from alcohol 5b (1.5 g, 1 equiv, 7.6 mmol), CrO 3

(3.0 g, 4 equiv, 30.4 mmol) in acetic acid/water (27:3 mL) mixture, according to the typical procedure. The desired product 8b (E/Z mixture ~3:1) was obtained after Kugelrohr distillation (65-80°C, 2 mbar) as a colourless oil (1.1 g, 70%). C=CHSF 5 ), 148.5 (q t , 2 J C,H = 22.5 Hz, C=CHSF 5 ), 171.3 (s, C=O)

IR (cm

Diastereoisomer Z:

19 F NMR (CDCl 3 /CFCl 3 , 282 MHz): δ 65.0 (dm, 4F, 2 J F,F = 150.9 Hz), 80.0 (m, 1F).

1 H NMR (CDCl 3 , 300 MHz): δ 2.16 (m, 3H, CH 3 ), 6.37 (m, 1H, C=CHSF 5 ), 10.13 (br s, 1H, COOH).

13 C NMR (CDCl 3 , 75 MHz): δ 20.3 (s, CH 3 ), 135.4 (m, C=CHSF 5 ), 137.1 (q t , 2 J C,H = 22.6 Hz, C=CHSF 5 ), 172.5 (s, C=O)

2.1.5. Oxidation of SF 5 -allylic alcohol 5a to aldehyde 7 PCC (3.0 g, 2 equiv, 13.8 mmol) was finely crushed in a mortar with an equal quantity of silica gel and it was suspended in CH 2 Cl 2 (35 mL). To this suspension was added dropwise a solution of alcohol 5a (1.3 g, 1 equiv, 6.9 mmol) in CH 2 Cl 2 (7 mL) and the reaction mixture was stirred at room temperature for 2.5 h. Et 2 O (40 mL) was added to precipitate chromium salts which were removed by filtration trough a plug of silica gel

(2 cm on the bottom) and celite (1 cm on the top). The solvents were removed by distillation under atmospheric pressure to give the desired product 7 (556 mg, 44 %). To a stirred solution of acid 8 (1 equiv, 2.7 mmol) in dry CH 2 Cl 2 (13 mL) under argon, at 0°C, was added HOBt (1.1 equiv, 2.9 mmol), DCC (2.0 equiv, 5.4 mmol), alcohol

(2.0 equiv, 5.4 mmol) and DMAP (1.0 equiv, 2.7 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at this temperature for 1.5 h. The resulting mixture was then filtered and the precipitate was washed with CH 2 Cl 2 (40 mL). The filtrate was washed with water (3 x 15 mL), 2 M HCl aq solution (3 x 15 mL) and brine (15 mL). The organic layer was dried over MgSO 4 .

After removal of solvent under reduced pressure, the crude product was purified by silica gel column chromatography leading to ester 9 or 10.

(E)-Benzyl 3-(pentafluorosulfanyl)prop-2-enoate 9c

The title compound was prepared according to the general procedure. The resulting crude product was purified by silica gel column chromatography (cyclohexane/AcOEt = 98:2) to afford 9c in 64% yield as a colourless oil. 13 C NMR (CDCl 3 , 75 MHz): δ 67.8 (s, CH 2 ), 127.2 (q t , 3 J C,F = 7.2 Hz, CH=CH-SF 5 ), 128.6 (s, 2x CH Ph), 128.7 (s, 2x CH Ph), 128.8 (s, CH Ph), 134.6 (s, C q Ph), 152.5 (q t , 2 J C,F = 22.6 Hz, CH=CH-SF 5 ), 162.9 (s, C=O).

Rf

(E)-Cinnamyl 3-(pentafluorosulfanyl)prop-2-enoate 9e

The title compound was prepared according to the general procedure. The resulting crude product was purified by silica gel column chromatography (cyclohexane/AcOEt = 90:10) to afford 9e in 46% yield as a colourless oil. 19 F NMR (CDCl 3 /CFCl 3 , 282 MHz): δ 62.4 (dd, 4F, 2 J F,F = 150.9 Hz, 3 J F,H = 5.2 Hz), 78.6 (m, 1F).

Rf

1 H NMR (CDCl 3 , 300 MHz): δ 4.91 (d, 2H, 3 J H,H = 6.6 Hz, OCH 2 ), 6.33 (dt, 1H,

3 J H,H = 15.9 Hz, 3 J H,H = 6.6 Hz, CH=CHPh), 6.64 (d, 1H, 3 J H,H = 14.7 Hz, CH=CHSF 5 ), 6.74 (d, 1H, 3 J H,H = 15.9 Hz, CH=CHPh), 7.31-7.45 (m, 5H, Ph), 7.46-7.56 (m, 1H, CH=CHSF 5 ).

13 C NMR (CDCl 3 , 75 MHz): δ 66.6 (s, OCH 2 ), 121.7 (s, CH=CHPh), 126.7 (s, 2x CH Ph), 127.2 (q t , 3 J C,F = 7.2 Hz, CH=CHSF 5 ), 128.4 (s, CH Ph), 128.7 (s, 2x CH Ph), 135.8 (m, 2C, CH=CHPh + C q Ph), 152.4 (q t , 2 J C,F = 22.6 Hz, CH=CHSF 5 ), 162.9 (s, C=O).

(E)-Dodecyl 3-(pentafluorosulfanyl)prop-2-enoate 9f

The title compound was prepared according to the general procedure. The resulting crude product was purified by silica gel column chromatography (cyclohexane/AcOEt = 99:1) to afford 9f in 44% yield as a colourless oil. 66.3 (s, OCH 2 ), 127.5 (q t , 3 J C,F = 7.2 Hz, CH=CHSF 5 ), 152.1 (q t , 2 J C,F = 22.0 Hz, CH=CHSF 5 ), 163.2 (s, C=O).

Rf

(E)-(1R,2S,5R)-2-Isopropyl-5-methylcyclohexyl 3-(pentafluorosulfanyl)prop-2-enoate 9g

The title compound was prepared according to the general procedure. The resulting crude product was purified by silica gel column chromatography (cyclohexane/AcOEt = 99:1) to afford 9g in 27% yield as a colourless oil. Rf = 0.70 (cyclohexane/AcOEt = 99:1) IR (cm -1 ): 2957, 2926, 2871, 1726, 1456, 1247.

MS (ESI + ): 315 [M+H]

+ , 306, 225.

19 F NMR (CDCl 3 /CFCl 3 , 282 MHz): δ 62.5 (dd, 4F, 2 J F,F = 150.9 Hz, 3 J F,H = 5.2 Hz), 79.0 (m, 1F).

1 H NMR (CDCl 3 , 300 MHz): δ 0.77 (d, 3H, 2 J H,H = 6.9 Hz, CH 3 ), 0.87-0.89 (m, 1H, CH), 0.90-0.94 (m, 6H, 2 x CH 3 ), 1.07 (m, 2H, CH 2 ), 1.41-1.53 (m, 2H, CH 2 ), 1.72 (m, 2H, CH 2 ), 1.85 (m, 1H, CH), 2.03 (m, 1H, CH), 4.83 (td, 1H, 3 J H,H = 10.9 Hz, 3 J H,H = 4.4 Hz, OCH), 6.57 (d, 1H, 3 J H,H = 14.7 Hz, CH=CHSF 5 ), 7.41 (m, 1H, CH=CHSF 5 ).

13 C NMR (CDCl 3 , 75 MHz): δ 16.2 (s, CH 3 CH(CH 2 ) 2 ), 20.7 (s, CH 3 CHCH 3 ), 21.9 (s, CH 3 CHCH 3 ), 23.4 (s, CH 2 ), 26.3 (s, CH), 31.4 (s, CH), 34.1 (s, CH 2 ), 40.6 (s, CH 2 ), 46.9 (s, CH), 76.5 (s, OCH), 127.8 (q t , 3 J C,F = 7.2 Hz, CH=CHSF 5 ), 152.0 (q t , 2 J C,F = 22.0 Hz, CH=CHSF 5 ), 162.7 (s, C=O).

(E/Z)-Benzyl 2-methyl-3-(pentafluorosulfanyl)prop-2-enoate 10a

The title compound was obtained as a mixture of diastereoisomers (E/Z ~3:1) according to the general procedure. Only E-isomer was isolated by silica gel column chromatography (cyclohexane/AcOEt = 98:2) in 71% yield as a colourless oil.

Diastereoisomer E:

Rf = 0.63 (cyclohexane/AcOEt = 92:8) IR (cm -1 ): 3100, 3025, 1727, 1455, 1378, 1328, 1241. 19 F NMR (CDCl 3 /CFCl 3 , 282 MHz): δ 62.9 (dd, 4F, 2 J F,F = 150.9 Hz, 3 J F,H = 8.7 Hz), 81.2 (m, 1F).

MS (ESI

1 H NMR (CDCl 3 , 300 MHz): δ 2.23 (m, 3H, CH 3 ), 5.28 (s, 2H, CH 2 ), 7.3-7.5 (m, 6H, CH=CHSF 5 + Ph).

13 C NMR (CDCl 3 , 75 MHz): δ 14.7 (s, CH 3 ), 68.1 (s, CH 2 ), 128.5 (s, 2 x CH Ph), 128.7 (s, 3 x CH Ph), 134.7 (q t , 3 J C,F = 5.2 Hz, C=CHSF 5 ), 134.8 (s, C q Ph), 147.0 (q t , 2 J C,F = 20.9 Hz, C=CHSF 5 ), 165.4 (s, C=O).

(E/Z)-Cinnamyl 2-methyl-3-(pentafluorosulfanyl)prop-2-enoate 10b

The title compound was prepared as a mixture of diastereoisomers (E/Z ~ 3:1) according to the general procedure. The resulting crude product was purified by silica gel column chromatography (cyclohexane/AcOEt = 90:10) to afford two separated diastereoisomers 10b in 55% overall yield as colourless oils.

Diastereoisomer E:

Rf = 0.19 (cyclohexane/AcOEt = 90:10) IR (cm -1 ): 3000, 2930, 1726, 1496, 1451, 1328, 1243. 19 F NMR (CDCl 3 /CFCl 3 , 282 MHz): δ 64.4 (dd, 4F, 2 J F,F = 150.9 Hz, 3 J F,H = 8.7 Hz), 81.3 (m, 1F).

1 H NMR (CDCl 3 , 300 MHz): δ 2.23 (m, 3H, CH 3 ), 4.89 (d, 2H, 3 J H,H = 6.7 Hz, OCH 2 ), 6.33 (dt, 1H, 3 J H,H = 15.9 Hz, 3 J H,H = 6.7 Hz, CH=CHPh), 6.73 (d, 1H, 3 J H,H = 15.9 Hz, CH=CHPh), 7.3-7.5 (m, 6H, CH=CHSF 5 + Ph).

Diastereoisomer Z:

Rf = 0.17 (cyclohexane/AcOEt = 90:10) IR (cm -1 ): 3026, 2980, 1726, 1445, 1334, 1243.

19 F NMR (CDCl 3 /CFCl 3 , 282 MHz): δ 65.0 (dd, 4F, 2 J F,F = 150.9 Hz, 3 J F,H = 8.7 Hz), 80.8 (m, 1F).

1 H NMR (CDCl 3 , 300 MHz): δ 2.11 (m, 3H, CH 3 ), 4.89 (d, 2H, 3 J H,H = 6.6 Hz, OCH 2 ), 6.30 (dt, 1H, 3 J H,H = 15.9 Hz, 3 J H,H = 6.6 Hz, CH=CHPh), 6.73 (d, 1H, 3 J H,H = 15.9 Hz, CH=CHPh), 7.3-7.5 (m, 6H, CH=CHSF 5 + Ph).

General procedure for the preparation of amides 11 and 12 -

Procedure A

To a stirred solution of acid 8 (1 equiv, 1.87 mmol) in dry CH 2 Cl 2 (8 mL) under argon, at 0°C, was added HOBt (1.1 equiv, 2.05 mmol), DCC (2 equiv, 3.74 mmol) and amine

(2 equiv, 3.74 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at this temperature for 1.5 h.

The resulting mixture was then filtered and the precipitate was washed with CH 2 Cl 2 (40 mL).

The filtrate was washed with water (3 x 15 mL), 2 M HCl aq. solution (3 x 15 mL) and brine (3 x 15 mL). The organic layer was dried over MgSO 4 . After removal of solvent under reduced pressure, the crude product was purified by silica gel column chromatography leading to amide 11 or 12.

General procedure for the preparation of amides 11 and 12 -Procedure B

To a stirred solution of acid 8 (1 equiv, 1.57 mmol) in dry CH 2 Cl 2 (7 mL) under argon, at 0°C, was added Et 3 N (2 equiv, 3.14 mmol), T 3 P (1.5 equiv, 2.36 mmol) and amine

(2 equiv, 3.14 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at this temperature for 1 h.

The resulting mixture was then diluted with CH 2 Cl 2 (20 mL) and washed with water

(2 x 10 mL). The organic layer was dried over MgSO 4 . After removal of solvent under reduced pressure, the crude product was purified by silica gel column chromatography leading to amide 11 or 12.

(E)-N-Benzyl-3-(pentafluorosulfanyl)prop-2-enamide 11a

The title compound was prepared according to the procedure B. Resulting crude product was purified by silica gel column chromatography (cyclohexane/AcOEt = 90:10) to afford 11a in 93% yield as a white solid.

M.p.: 127-128°C

Rf = 0.30 (cyclohexane/AcOEt = 80:20)

IR (cm -1 ): 3304, 3073, 2920, 1666, 1629. 13 C NMR (CDCl 3 , 75 MHz): δ 44.2 (s, CH 2 ), 127.9 (s, 2 x CH Ph), 128.0 (s, CH Ph), 128.9 (s, 2 x CH Ph), 129.1 (q t , 3 J C,F = 6.6 Hz, CH=CHSF 5 ), 136.7 (s, C q Ph), 150.1 (q t , 2 J C,F = 22.2 Hz, CH=CHSF 5 ), 161.6 (s, C=O).

HRMS (ESI

(E)-3-(Pentafluorosulfanyl)-N-phenylprop-2-enamide 11b

The title compound was prepared according to the procedure A. Resulting crude product was purified by silica gel column chromatography (cyclohexane/AcOEt = 90:10) to afford 11b in 98% yield as a white solid.

M.p.: 171-172°C

Rf = 0.36 (cyclohexane/AcOEt = 90:10) IR (cm -1 ): 3268, 3091, 1669.

HRMS (ESI +

): calcd for C 9 H 8 F 5 NOSNa (m/z) 296.0144 [M + Na] + , found 296.0136.

19 F NMR (CDCl 3 /CFCl 3 , 282 MHz): δ 62.6 (dd, 4F, 2 J F,F = 150.9 Hz, 3 J F,H = 5.2 Hz), 79.5 (m, 1F). 129.6 (q t , 3 J C,F = 7.0 Hz, CH=CHSF 5 ), 136.7 (s, C q Ph), 150.9 (q t , 2 J C,F = 22.3 Hz, CH=CHSF 5 ), 159.6 (s, C=O).

(E)-N-Dodecyl-3-(pentafluorosulfanyl)prop-2-enamide 11c

The title compound was prepared according to the procedure A. Resulting crude product was purified by silica gel column chromatography (cyclohexane/AcOEt = 96:4) to afford 11c in 72% yield as a white solid.

M.p.: 72-73°C

Rf = 0.38 (cyclohexane/AcOEt = 90:10) (s, CH 2 ), 129.4 (q t , 3 J C,F = 6.6 Hz, CH=CHSF 5 ), 149.8 (q t , 2 J C,F = 22.0 Hz, CH=CHSF 5 ), 161.7 (s, C=O).

(E)-N-Allyl-3-(pentafluorosulfanyl)prop-2-enamide 11d

The title compound was prepared according to the procedure A. Resulting crude product was purified by silica gel column chromatography (cyclohexane/AcOEt = 80:20) to afford 11d in 60% yield as a white solid.

M.p.: 53-54°C

Rf = 0.24 (cyclohexane/AcOEt = 80:20) IR (cm -1 ): 3290, 3085, 2932, 1666, 1627, 1550. 13 C NMR (CDCl 3 , 75 MHz): δ 42.5 (s, CH 2 NH), 117.7 (s, CH 2 =CH), 128.9 (q t , 3 J C,F = 6.6 Hz, CH=CHSF 5 ), 132.8 (s, CH 2 =CH), 150.3 (q t , 2 J C,F = 22.6 Hz, CH=CHSF 5 ),

HRMS (ESI

161.4 (s, C=O).

(E)-N-(2-Hydroxyethyl)-3-pentafluorosulfanylprop-2-enamide 11e

The title compound was prepared according to the procedure B. Resulting crude product was purified by silica gel column chromatography (cyclohexane/AcOEt = 40:60) to afford 11e in 32% yield as a colourless oil. Rf = 0.15 (cyclohexane/AcOEt = 50:50) IR (cm -1 ): 3312, 1667, 1632, 1557, 1434, 1339, 1244.

HRMS (ESI +

): calcd for C 5 H 9 F 5 NO 2 S (m/z) 242.0274 [M + H] + , found 242.0273.

19 F NMR (CDCl 3 /CFCl 3 , 282 MHz): δ 62.9 (dd, 4F, 2 J F,F = 150.9 Hz, 3 J F,H = 5.2 Hz), 79.7 (m, 1F).

M.p.: 175-176°C

Rf = 0.35 (cyclohexane/AcOEt = 85:15) IR (cm -1 ): 3290, 3072, 2921, 1663, 1624, 1552, 1451, 1350, 1250. 128.6 (s, 2 x CH Ph), 129.1 (q t , 3 J C,F = 6.7 Hz, CH=CHSF 5 ), 137.3 (s, C q Ph), 138.7 (s, C q Ph), 150.2 (q t , 2 J C,F = 22.2 Hz, CH=CHSF 5 ), 161.0 (s, C=O).

HRMS (ESI

(R,E)-3-(Pentafluorosulfanyl)-N-(1-phenylethyl)prop-2-enamide 11h

The title compound was prepared according to the procedure A. Resulting crude product was purified by silica gel column chromatography (cyclohexane/AcOEt = 90:10) to afford 11h in 67% yield as a white solid.

M.p.: 142°C

Rf = 0.35 (cyclohexane/AcOEt = 90:10) IR (cm -1 ): 3311, 3073, 1669, 1450.

HRMS (ESI +

): calcd for C 11 H 13 F 5 NOS (m/z) 302.0638 [M + H] + , found 302.0642.

19 F NMR (CDCl 3 /CFCl 3 , 282 MHz): δ 63.0 (dd, 4F, 2 J F,F = 150.9 Hz, 3 J F,H = 5.2 Hz), 79.9 (m, 1F).

1 H NMR (CDCl 3 , 300 MHz): δ 1.54 (d, 3H, 3 J H,H = 6.9 Hz, CH 3 ), 5.16 (m, 1H, CHNH), 6.34 (m, 1H, NH), 6.58 (d, 1H, 3 J H,H = 14.4 Hz, CH=CHSF 5 ), 7.2-7.4 (m, 5H, Ph), 7.3-7.5 (m, 1H, CH=CHSF 5 ).

13 C NMR (CDCl 3 , 75 MHz): δ 21.3 (s, CH 3 ), 49.8 (s, CHNH), 126.2 (s, 2 x CH Ph), 127.9

(s, CH Ph), 128.9 (s, 2 x CH Ph), 129.2 (q t , 3 J C,F = 6.6 Hz, CH=CHSF 5 ), 141.8 (s, C q Ph), 150.2 (q t , 2 J C,F = 22.3 Hz, CH=CHSF 5 ), 160.6 (s, C=O).

(R,E)-Methyl 2-(3-pentafluorosulfanylprop-2-enylamido)propanoate 11i

The title compound was prepared according to the procedure A. Resulting crude product was purified by silica gel column chromatography (cyclohexane/AcOEt = 80:20) to afford 11i in 60% yield as a white solid.

M.p.: 90-91°C

Rf = 0.18 (cyclohexane/AcOEt = 80:20) IR (cm -1 ): 3310, 3080, 2925, 1743, 1671, 1634, 1544, 1217. 13 C NMR (CDCl 3 , 75 MHz): δ 18.3 (s, CH 3 CH), 48.6 (s, CH 3 CH), 52.9 (s, OCH 3 ), 128.8 (q t , 3 J C,F = 6.6 Hz, CH=CHSF 5 ), 150.5 (q t , 2 J C,F = 22.3 Hz, CH=CHSF 5 ), 161.0 (s, C(O)NH),

HRMS (ESI

173.1 (s, C(O)OCH 3 ).

(E)-N,N-Dibenzyl-3-pentafluorosulfanylprop-2-enamide 11j

The title compound was prepared according to the procedure A. Resulting crude product was purified by silica gel column chromatography (cyclohexane/AcOEt = 98:2) to afford 11j in 57% yield as a yellow oil. 19 F NMR (CDCl 3 /CFCl 3 , 282 MHz): δ 62.7 (dd, 4F, 2 J F,F = 150.9 Hz, 3 J F,H = 6.9 Hz), 80.0 (m, 1F). 13 C NMR (CDCl 3 , 75 MHz): δ 49.0 (s, CH 2 ), 50.4 (s, CH 2 ), 126.5 (s, 2 x CH Ph), 126.9 (q t , (s, 2 x CH Ph), 129.2 (2 x CH Ph), 135.4 (s, C q Ph), 136.1 (s, C q Ph), 151.4 (q t , 2 J C,F = 21.9 Hz, CH=CHSF 5 ), 163.1 (s, C=O).

Rf

(E)-N,N-Di(n-hexyl-3-pentafluorosulfanylprop-2-enamide 11k

The title compound was prepared according to the procedure A. Resulting crude product was purified by silica gel column chromatography (cyclohexane/AcOEt = 90:10) to afford 11k in 60% yield as a yellow oil. Rf = 0.22 (cyclohexane/AcOEt = 96:4) IR (cm -1 ): 2928, 2862, 1668.

19 F NMR (CDCl 3 /CFCl 3 , 282 MHz): δ 62.7 (dd, 4F, 2 J F,F = 150.9 Hz, 3 J F,H = 5.2 Hz), 80.5 (m, 1F).

1 H NMR (CDCl 3 , 300 MHz): δ 0.9-1.0 (m, 6H, 2 x CH 3 ), 1.2-1.4 (m, 12H, 5 x CH 2 ), 1.5-1.7 (m, 4H, 2 x NCH 2 CH 2 ), 3.31 (m, 2H, NCH 2 CH 2 ), 3.40 (m, 2H, NCH 2 CH 2 ), 7.00 (d, 1H, 3 J H,H = 14.2 Hz, CH=CHSF 5 ), 7.40 (m, 1H, CH=CHSF 5 ).

(E)-N-Morpholino-3-pentafluorosulfanylprop-2-enamide 11l

The title compound was prepared according to the procedure A. Resulting crude product was purified by silica gel column chromatography (cyclohexane/AcOEt = 70:30) to afford 11l in 86% yield as a white solid.

M.p.: 114-115°C

Rf = 0.13 (cyclohexane/AcOEt = 80:20)

IR (cm -1 ): 3041, 2997, 2927, 1663, 1605, 1442, 1306, 1271, 1254.

HRMS (ESI +

): calcd for C 7 H 11 F 5 NO 2 S (m/z) 267.9761, [M + H] + , found 267.9758.

19 F NMR (CDCl 3 /CFCl 3 , 282 MHz): δ 62.7 (dd, 4F, 2 J F,F = 150.9 Hz, 3 J F,H = 6.9 Hz), 80.0 (m, 1F).

1 H NMR (CDCl 3 , 300 MHz): δ 3.5-3.6 (m, 2H, CH 2 ), 3.6-3.8 (m, 6H, 3 x CH 2 ), 7.00 (d, 1H,

3 J H,H = 14.3 Hz, CH=CHSF 5 ), 7.36 (m, 1H, CH=CHSF 5 ).

13 C NMR (CDCl 3 , 75 MHz): δ 42.6 (s, NCH 2 ), 46.4 (s, NCH 2 ), 66.5 (s, 2 x OCH 2 ), 126.0 (q t , 3 J C,F = 7.0 Hz, CH=CHSF 5 ), 150.9 (q t , 2 J C,F = 22.0 Hz, CH=CHSF 5 ), 161.1 (s, C=O).

(E,Z)-N-Benzyl-2-methyl-3-(pentafluorosulfanyl)prop-2-enamide 12

The title compound was prepared as a mixture of diastereoisomers (E/Z ~ 3:1) according to the procedure A. Only E-isomer was isolated by silica gel column chromatography (cyclohexane/AcOEt = 90:10) in 72% yield as a white solid. 19 F NMR (CDCl 3 /CFCl 3 , 282 MHz): δ 65.0 (dd, 4F, 2 J F,F = 150.0 Hz, 3 J F,H = 6.9 Hz), 82.0 (m, 1F).

1 H NMR (CDCl 3 , 300 MHz): δ 2.21 (s, 3H, CH 3 ), 4.50 (d, 2H, 3 J H,H = 5.7 Hz, CH 2 ), 6.24 (br s, 1H, NH), 6.92 (q t , 1H, 3 J F,H = 6.9 Hz, CH=CHSF 5 ), 7.28-7.40 (m, 5H, Ph).

13 C NMR (CDCl 3 , 75 MHz): δ 15.4 (s, CH 3 ), 44.2 (s, CH 2 ), 127.87 (s, 2 x CH Ph), 127.92 (s, CH Ph), 128.9 (s, 2 x CH Ph), 137.0 (s, C q Ph), 138.9 (q t , 3 J C,F = 5.0 Hz, C=CHSF 5 ), 142.1 (q t , 2 J C,F = 19.8 Hz, C=CHSF 5 ), 166.4 (s, C=O).

Diastereoisomer Z (in the crude mixture):

19 F NMR (CDCl 3 /CFCl 3 , 282 MHz): δ 65.6 (dd, 4F, 2 J F,F = 147.4 Hz, 3 J F,H = 6.9 Hz), 81.7 (m, 1F).

Pentafluorosulfanylated allylsilanes 21a-c 2.3.1. Typical procedure for the radical addition of SF 5 Cl to allylsilanes 19a-d

In a 50 mL three-neck flask, equipped with an inlet and outlet of gas, allyltriphenylsilane 19b (2.44 g, 1.0 equiv, 8.1 mmol) in CH 2 Cl 2 /hexane (8:5 mL) was introduced. The solution was cooled to -50°C and SF 5 Cl (3.35 g, 4.3 equiv, 33.5 mmol) was condensed into it. The mixture was warmed to -30°C and Et 3 B (1.60 mL, 0.2 equiv, 1.6 mmol, 1M in hexane) was added dropwise. The reaction mixture was stirred at this temperature for 2 h and then it was left at room temperature overnight. The resulting mixture was passed through a short silica plug and it was washed with cyclohexane (2 x 20 mL) and CH 2 Cl 2 (2 x 20 mL). The filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure to give desired compound 20b as a yellow oil (3.64 g, 97%).

(2-Chloro-3-pentafluorosulfanylpropyl)triphenylsilane 20b (2-Chloro-3-pentafluorosulfanylpropyl)trimethylsilane 20a

The title compound was synthesised from allyltrimethylsilane 19a (5.95 g, 1.0 equiv, 52.1 mmol), SF 5 Cl (8.35 g, 1.6 equiv, 83.4 mol) and Et 3 B (5.20 mL, 0.1 equiv, 5.2 mmol, 1 M in hexane) in hexane (45 mL) according to the typical procedure. The desired product 20a was obtained after work-up as yellow oil (1.96 g, 14%). The low yield of the reaction was due to the low boiling point of the final product.

(E)-(3-Pentafluorosulfanylallyl)dimethylphenylsilane 21b

The title compound was synthesised from dimethylphenylsilane 20c (0.51 g, 1 equiv, 1.50 mmol) and KOH (1.30 g, 15 equiv, 23.07 mmol), according to the typical procedure.

The desired product 21b was obtained after Kugelrohr distillation (80-140°C, 0.2 mbar), as a yellow oil (95 mg, 21%).

19 F NMR (CDCl 3 /CFCl 3 , 282 MHz): δ 63.2 (dd, 4F, 2 J F,F = 150.9 Hz, 3 J F,H = 5.2 Hz), 85.2 (m, 1F).

1 H NMR (CDCl 3 , 300 MHz): δ 0.34 (s, 3H, CH 3 ), 0.37 (s, 3H, CH 3 ), 1.82 (dm, 2H,

3 J H,H = 8.9 Hz, CH 2 Si(CH 3 ) 2 Ph), 6.17-6.25 (m, 1H, CH=CHSF 5 ), 6.49 (m, 1H, CH=CHSF 5 ), 7.2-7.6 (m, 5H, Ph).

(E)-(3-Pentafluorosulfanylallyl)tri(isopropyl)silane 21c

The title compound was synthesised from tri(isopropyl)silane 20d (0.72 g, 1 equiv, 2.0 mmol) and KOH (0.90 g, 8 equiv, 16.1 mmol), according to the typical procedure.

The desired product 21c was obtained after the work-up, without further purification, as a yellow oil (0.49 g, 76%). 1 H NMR (CDCl 3 , 300 MHz): δ 1.08 (m, 21H, Si(i-Pr) 3 ), 1.71 (dm, 2H, 3 J H,H = 9.2 Hz, CH 2 Si(i-Pr) 3 ), 6.28-6.37 (m, 1H, CH=CHSF 5 ), 6.61 (m, 1H, CH=CHSF 5 ).

IR (cm

General procedure for the In-mediated allylation

Bromide 24 (1 equiv, 0.4 mmol), aldehyde (1 equiv, 0.4 mmol) and indium (1 equiv, 0.4 mmol) in water (0.5 mL) were stirred in a sealed tube at room temperature. After 18 h the reaction mixture was poured into 1M HCl aq. solution (1 mL) and it was extracted with CH 2 Cl 2

(5 x 2 mL), dried over MgSO 4 and concentrated under reduced pressure. The crude product was purified by silica gel column chromatography leading to separated γ-products 22a-c

(only anti diastereoisomer) and α-products 23a-c (mixtures of E/Z isomers).

2.4.2.1.

The reaction of bromide 24 with p-chlorobenzaldehyde was carried out according to the general procedure and led to a mixture of γ-and α-products 22a and 23a 128.9 (s, 2 x CH Ar), 132.3 (q t , 3 J C,F = 5.2 Hz, CH=CHSF 5 ), 133.9 (s, C q Ar), 140.7 (q t , 2 J C,F = 17.9 Hz, CH=CHSF 5 ), 141.3 (s, C q Ar).

Diastereoisomer n°2:

19 F NMR (CDCl 3 /CFCl 128.9 (s, 2 x CH Ar), 133.9 (s, C q Ar), 134.6 (q t , 3 J C,F = 6.9 Hz, CH=CHSF 5 ), 141.5 (s, C q Ar), 142.7 (q t , 2 J C,F = 18.2 Hz, CH=CHSF 5 ).

2.4.2.2.

The reaction of bromide 24 with methyl 4-formylbenzoate was carried out according to the general procedure and led to a mixture of γ-and α-products 22b and 23b 125.6 (s, 2 x CH Ar), 129.9 (s, C q , Ar), 130.0 (s, 2 x CH Ar), 134.5 (q t , 3 J C,F = 6.9 Hz, CH=CHSF 5 ), 142.8 (m, CH=CHSF 5 ), 147.9 (s, C q Ar), 166.8 (s, C=O).

Diastereoisomer n°2:

19 F NMR (CDCl 3 /CFCl 125.6 (s, 2 x CH Ar), 129.9 (s, C q Ar), 133.0 (s, 2 x CH Ar), 132.2 (q t , 3 J C,F = 5.2 Hz, CH=CHSF 5 ), 140.8 (q t , 2 J C,F = 18.2 Hz, CH=CHSF 5 ), 148.0 (s, C q Ar), 166.8 (s, C=O).

2.4.2.3.

The reaction of bromide 24 with 3-phenylpropanal was carried out according to the general procedure and led to a mixture of γ-and α-products 22c and 23c (~0.4:0.6).

The resulting crude was purified by silica gel column chromatography (EP/Et 2 O = from 95:5

to 80:20) to afford only γ-product 22c as anti diastereoisomer in 8% yield (colourless oil).

Anti 1-Phenyl-4-pentafluorosulfanylhex-5-en-3-ol 22c Rf = 0.28 (EP/Et 2 O = 90:10) IR (cm -1 ): 3469, 3028, 2925, 2858, 1604, 1497, 1455, 1257.

HRMS (ESI

Synthesis of SF 5 -heterocycles

Pentafluorosulfanylated pyridines -direct approach

Procedure for the chlorination-fluorine substitution step A 250 mL round bottom flask equipped with gas inlet-outlet tubes was charged with spray dried KF (5.1 g, 16.0 equiv, 87.1 mmol) and dry acetonitrile (30 mL).

The solution was cooled to 0°C and Cl 2 (3.4 g, 8.8 equiv, 48.0 mmol) was bubbled into the stirred reaction mixture for 15 minutes (a trap filled with H 2 SO 4 was installed between

Cl 2 cylinder and reactor, and a trap filled with NaOH aq solution was installed after gas outlet tube). The 2,2'-dithiodipyridine (1.2 g, 1.0 equiv, 5.4 mmol) was added and the reaction mixture was stirred for 15 minutes at room temperature and then it was left without stirring for 24 h. The reaction mixture was filtered under argon atmosphere and the precipitate was washed with acetonitrile (20 mL). The filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure to give the desired product 34 (1.6 g, 67%). The product was kept in a Teflon vessel in order to avoid its decomposition. To a stirred solution of allylic acetate 6, ester 9,10 or amide 11,12 (1.0 equiv, 10 mmol) in dry CH 2 Cl 2 (56 mL) under argon, was added the dipole precursor 40 (1.2 equiv, 12 mmol or 2.0 equiv, 20 mmol, depending on the substrate). The mixture was cooled to 0°C and 1 M TFA solution (0.1 equiv, 1 mmol) in CH 2 Cl 2 (1 mL) was added at this temperature. After 2 h of stirring at room temperature, NaHCO 3sat. solution (~10 mL) was added to the reaction mixture until pH = 7. The organic phase was separated, washed with brine (10 mL) and dried over MgSO 4 . After removal of solvent under reduced pressure, the crude product was purified by silica gel column chromatography leading to pyrrolidines 40-42.

(±)-N-Benzyl-3-(benzyloxycarbonyl)-4-pentafluorosulfanylpyrrolidine 42a

The title compound was prepared according to the general procedure. (s, C q Ph), 171.6 (s, C=O).

(±)-N-Benzyl-3-[(2'-nitro)benzyloxycarbonyl)]-4-pentafluorosulfanylpyrrolidine 42b

The title compound was prepared according to the general procedure. (s, C q Ar), 147.4 (s, C q Ar), 171.3 (s, C=O).

(±)-N-Benzyl-3-(dodecyloxycarbonyl)-4-pentafluorosulfanylpyrrolidine 42c

The title compound was prepared according to the general procedure.

(±)-N-Benzyl-3-(benzyloxycarbonyl)-3-methyl-4-pentafluorosulfanylpyrrolidine 42d

The title compound was prepared according to the general procedure. Ph), 172.9 (s, C=O).

(±)-N-(p-Methoxybenzyl)-3-(benzyloxycarbonyl)-4-pentafluorosulfanylpyrrolidine 42e

The title compound was prepared according to the general.

(±)-N-(p-Methoxybenzyl)-3-(dodecyloxycarbonyl)-4-pentafluorosulfanylpyrrolidine 42f

The title compound was prepared according to the general procedure. PhOMe), 171.9 (s, C=O).

(±)-N,N-Dibenzyl-1-benzyl-4-pentafluorosulfanylpyrrolidin-3-ylcarboxamide 43a

The title compound was prepared according to the general procedure. Ph), 129.0 (s, 2 x CH Ph), 135.7 (s, C q Ph), 136.8 (s, C q Ph), 137.5 (s, C q Ph), 171.4 (s, C=O).

(±)-N-Benzyl-1-benzyl-4-pentafluorosulfanylpyrrolidin-3-ylcarboxamide 43b

The title compound was prepared according to the general procedure. The resulting crude product was purified by silica gel column chromatography (cyclohexane/AcOEt = 82:18) to afford 43b in 92% yield as a white solid.

M.p.: 126-128°C

Rf = 0.12 (cyclohexane/AcOEt = 82:18)

IR (cm

Crystallographic data

The crystal data are collected in

Structural description

The asymmetric unit is composed of one molecule of C 19 H 21 F 5 N 2 OS (Figures 52 and53).

The carbon atoms C9 and C 10 exhibit an absolute configuration S and S. Some Hydrogen interactions are established between two consecutive molecules along a axis (Figures 54 and55), Table 21. These interactions lead to the formation of periodic bond chains spreading along a direction.

N-[(1R)-1-Phenylethyl]-1-benzyl-4-pentafluorosulfanylpyrrolidin-3-ylcarboxamide 43c

The title compound was prepared according to the general procedure. (±)-N-Morpholino-1-benzyl-4-pentafluorosulfanylpyrrolidin-3-ylcarboxamide 43d

The title compound was prepared according to the general procedure. The resulting crude product was purified by silica gel column chromatography (PE/AcOEt = 7:3) to afford 43d in 73% yield as a white solid.

M.p.: 96°C

Rf = 0.25 (cyclohexane/AcOEt = 70:30) (±)-N-Benzyl-1-benzyl-3-methyl-4-pentafluorosulfanylpyrrolidin-3-ylcarboxamide 43e

IR (cm

The title compound was prepared according to the general procedure. (s, C=O).

General procedure for the synthesis of tetrasubstituted SF 5 -pyrrolidines

51,52

PPh 3 (0.20 equiv, 0.8 mmol) and AgOAc (0.20 equiv, 0.8 mmol) were dissolved in dry CH 2 Cl 2 (37 mL) under argon, and stirred at room temperature for 1 h. Then, the dipole precursor 49 (3.00 equiv, 12.3 mmol), Et 3 N (0.25 equiv, 1.0 mmol) and ester 9 or amide 11

(1.00 equiv, 4.1 mmol) were added successively. After stirring at room temperature or at reflux, the solvent was removed under reduced pressure. The crude product was purified by silica gel column chromatography leading to pyrrolidines 51 and 52.

3.2.2.1.

The reaction of ester 9c with imino ester 49a was carried out according to the general procedure and led to a 1:1 mixture of regioisomers 51a and 52a. The resulting crude product was purified by silica gel column chromatography (EP/AcOEt = 84:16) to afford 51a and 52a in 37% and 36% yield, respectively.

3.2.2.2.

The reaction of ester 9c with imino ester 49a was carried out according to the general procedure ((R)-BINAP instead of PPh 3 ) and led to a 2:1 mixture of regioisomers 51a and 52a. The resulting crude product was purified by silica gel column chromatography (EP/AcOEt = 84:16) to afford 51a and 52a in 16% and 8% yield, respectively. The product 52a was analyzed by chiral HPLC to determine the enantiomeric excess 37%

(heptane/isopropanol = 80:20, flow rate 1.0mL/min, l = 230 nm, t r = 6.95 min and 7.17 min).

(±)-3-Benzyl-2-methyl-4-pentafluorosulfanyl-5-phenylpyrrolidine-2,3-dicarboxylate 51a Ph), 170.0 (s, C=O), 170.9 (s, C=O).

Crystallographic data

The crystal data are collected in

Structural description

The asymmetric unit is composed of one molecule of C 20 H 20 F 5 NO 4 S (Figures 58 and59).

Four (F1 to F4) of the five fluorine atoms are statistically disordered. The statistical occupancy is shared between two crystallographic sites for the fluorine atoms F1 to F4. This distribution is 57 /43 %. The packing is represented on figures 60 to 62, the cohesion between molecules is ensured by Van der Waals interactions. IR (cm -1 ): 2960, 1734, 1716, 1440, 1392, 1261, 1240, 1177.

HRMS (ESI

3.2.2.4.

The reaction of amide 11l with imino ester 49a was carried out according to the general procedure as described above and led to a 2:1 mixture of regioisomers 51c and 52c. The resulting crude product was purified by silica gel column chromatography (EP/AcOEt = 68:32) to afford 51c and 52c in 30% and 18% yield, respectively.

(±)-2-Methyl- The reaction mixture was allowed to reach room temperature and it was stirred overnight.

The reaction mixture was then cooled to 0°C, water (4 mL) was added carefully and the crude was filtred on the celite. The precipitate was washed with AcOEt (4 mL). Organic phase was washed with water (2 mL) and with 5% NaHCO 3aq. solution (2 mL), dried over MgSO 4 and concentrated under reduced pressure. Crude product was purified by silica gel column chromatography (EP/AcOEt = 7:3) giving the desired product 55 (53 mg, 40%) as a yellow solid. (s, 2 x CH Ph), 137.1 (s, C q Ph).

Synthesis of SF 5 -pyrrolidinyl chloride 58

Alcohol 55 (444 mg, 1 equiv, 1.4 mmol) was dissolved in CHCl 3 (4 mL) and SOCl 2 (0.6 mL, 6 equiv, 8.4 mmol) was added dropwise. The reaction mixture was stirred at 60°C for 2.5 h. After cooling the reaction mixture to room temperature, 5% NaHCO 3aq. solution was added until pH = 7-8. The mixture was then extracted with AcOEt (2 x 4 mL) and combined organic phases were washed with brine (3 mL) dried over MgSO 4 and concentrated under reduced pressure. Crude product was purified by silica gel column chromatography (EP/AcOEt = 9:1) giving the desired product 58 (343 mg, 73%) as a yellow oil.

(±)-1-Benzyl- 137.6 (s, C q Ph).

Synthesis of pyrrolidinyl phthalimide 59

Chloride 58 (60 mg, 1.0 equiv, 0.19 mmol) was dissolved in anhydrous DMF (0.5 mL) and phthalimide potassium salt (42 mg, 1.2 equiv, 0.23 mmol) was added.

The reaction mixture was stirred at 60°C for 3 days (conversion: ~40%). The reaction mixture was then cooled to room temperature, CH 2 Cl 2 (0.6 mL) was added and the latter was poured into water (0.6 mL). The phases were separated and the aqueous phase was then extracted with CH 2 Cl 2 (2 x 2 mL). The combined organic phases were washed with 1 M NaOH aq. solution (0.2 mL), dried over MgSO 4 and concentrated under reduced pressure.

Synthesis of SF 5 -pyrrolidinyl N-Boc amine 62

Azide 60 (67 mg, 1.0 equiv, 0.20 mmol) was dissolved in anhydrous THF (1.3 mL)

and the solution was cooled to 0°C. PPh 3 (77 mg, 1.5 equiv, 0.30 mmol) and H 2 O (0.01 mL)

was then added and the reaction mixture was allowed to reach room temperature.

After stirring for 27 h, H 2 O (0.5 mL) was added and the reaction mixture was extracted with Et 2 O (3 x 1 mL). The combined organic phases were washed with brine (1 mL), dried over MgSO 4 and concentrated under reduced pressure.

The crude was then dissolved in anhydrous CH 2 Cl 2 (0.8 mL) , Et 3 N (0.04 mL, 1.5 equiv, 0.30 mmol) was then added dropwise to this solution, followed by Boc 2 O (0.06 mL, 1.3 equiv, 0.26 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred for 1.5 h at room temperature. CH 2 Cl 2 (5 mL) was then added to the reaction mixture and the latter was washed successively with H 2 O

(2 x 3 mL), 10% citric acid aq. solution (2 x 3 mL), saturated NaHCO 3aq. solution (2 x 3 mL) and brine (3 mL). The organic phase was separated and dried over MgSO 4 . After removal of the solvent under reduced pressure, the crude product was purified by silica gel column chromatography (EP/AcOEt = 80:20) giving the product 62 (17 mg, 21%) as a white solid.

(±)-Tert-butyl ((1-benzyl-4-pentafluorosulfanylpyrrolidin-3-yl)methyl)carbamate 62 Rf = 0.11 (EP/AcOEt = 90:10) IR (cm -1 ): 3387, 2975, 2807, 1691, 1517, 1368, 1271, 1250, 1168. 79.5 (s, C q Boc), 85.5 (m, CHSF 5 ), 127.5 (s, CH Ph), 128.5 (s, 2 x CH Ph), 128.6 (s, 2 x CH Ph), 137.5 (s, C q Ph), 156.2 (s, C=O).

HRMS (ESI

« Click » reaction of SF 5 -pyrrolidinyl azide 60

To the solution of azide 60 (70 mg, 1.00 equiv, 0.21 mmol) in CH 2 Cl 2 (0.5 mL), pent-1-yne (26 µL, 1.30 equiv, 0.27 mmol) was added, followed by H 2 O (0.4 mL), (s, CH 2 CH 2 CH 3 ), 42.7 (q t , 3 J C,F = 3.0 Hz, CHCH 2 N-triazole), 52.4 (s, CHCH 2 N-triazole), 55.9 (s, CH 2 CHCH 2 N-triazole), 56.9 (q t , 3 J C,F = 5.0 Hz, CH 2 CHSF 5 ), 59.1 (s, NCH 2 Ph), 84.9 (q t , 2 J C,F = 10.5 Hz, CHSF 5 ), 121.1 (s, CH triazole), 127.5 (s, CH Ph), 128.45 (s, 2 x CH Ph), 128.51 (s, 2 x CH Ph), 137.5 (s, C q Ph), 148.6 (s, C q triazole).

Synthesis of SF 5 -pyrrolidinyl nitrile 65

Alcohol 55 (105 mg, 1.0 equiv, 0.33 mmol) was dissolved in anhydrous toluene (2 mL) and this solution was cooled to 0°C. 13 C NMR (CDCl 3 , 75 MHz): δ 22.0 (s, CHCH 2 CN), 38.5 (q t , 3 J C,F = 3.3 Hz, CHCH 2 CN), 57.1 (q t , 3 J C,F = 5.0 Hz, CH 2 CHSF 5 ), 57.2 (s, CH 2 CHCH 2 CN), 59.1 (s, NCH 2 Ph), 86.7 (q t , 2 J C,F = 11.0 Hz, CHSF 5 ), 117.5 (s, CN), 127.5 (s, CH Ph), 128.5 (s, 4 x CH Ph), 137.4 (s, C q Ph).

Synthesis of SF 5 N-Boc protected pyrrolidine 70

Pyrrolidine 43a (110 mg, 1.0 equiv, 0.22 mmol) was dissolved in anhydrous CH 2 Cl 2 (0.5 mL) and this solution was cooled to 0°C. 1-Chloroethyl chloroformate (26 µL, 1.1 equiv, 0.24 mmol) was added dropwise and the reaction mixture was then stirred at reflux for 3 h.

After cooling to room temperature, the solvent was removed under reduced pressure and the remaining oil was then dissolved in anhydrous MeOH (1 mL). The reaction mixture was stirred at reflux for 2.5 h. Then, the reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature and the solvent was removed under reduced pressure.

The crude product was dissolved in anhydrous CH 2 Cl 2 (0.5 mL) and Et 3 N (50 µL, 1.5 equiv, 0.33 mmol) was added dropwise to this solution, followed by Boc 2 O (60 µL, 1.3 equiv, 0.29 mmol). After stirring the reaction mixture for 3 h at room temperature, CH 2 Cl 2 (4 mL) was added and this solution was washed with H 2 O (2 x 2 mL), 10% citric acid aq. solution

(2 x 2 mL), saturated NaHCO 3aq.. solution (3 x 2 mL) and brine (2 mL). The organic phase was separated, dried over MgSO 4 and concentrated under reduced pressure. The crude

Pentafluorosulfanylated isoxazolidines

3.4.1. General procedure for the synthesis of isoxazolidines 72-74

Ester 9 or amide 11 (1.0 equiv, 0.18 mmol) and nitrone 71 (2.3 equiv, 0.42 mmol) were stirred without solvent in a sealed tube at 100°C. The reaction was followed by 19 F NMR.

After completion, the reaction mixture was cooled to room temperature and the crude was directly purified by silica gel column chromatography leading to isoxazolidines 72-74.

(±)-2-Benzyl-5-(benzyloxycarbonyl)-4-pentafluorosulfanyl-3-phenylisoxazolidine 72a

The title compound was prepared according to the general procedure. The resulting crude product was purified by silica gel column chromatography (PE/AcOEt = 97:3) to afford 72a in 13% yield (conversion: ~50%) as one diastereoisomer (colourless oil).

Rf = 0.37 (PE/AcOEt = 96:4) IR (cm -1 ): 3034, 2923, 2854, 1735, 1456, 1262, 1211. 129.2 (s, CH Ph), 134.5 (s, C q Ph), 135.0 (s, C q Ph), 136.2 (s, C q Ph), 169.7 (s, C=O).

HRMS (ESI

(±)-N-Morpholino-2-benzyl-4-pentafluorosulfanyl-3-phenylisoxazolidin-5ylcarboxamide 72b

The title compound was prepared according to the general procedure. The resulting crude product was purified by silica gel column chromatography (PE/AcOEt = 86:14) to afford 72b in 16% yield (conversion: ~50%) as one diastereoisomer (colourless oil). NCH 2 Ph), 65.9 (s, OCH 2morpholino ), 66.5 (s, OCH 2morpholino ), 74.9 (q t , 3 J C,F = 3.0 Hz, CHPh), 77.4 (q t , 3 J C,F = 4.8 Hz, CHCOmorpholino), 93.6 (q t , 2 J C,F = 9.6 Hz, CHSF 5 ), 127.6 (s, CH Ph), 128.2 (s, 2 x CH Ph), 128.6 (s, 2 x CH Ph), 128.9 (s, 2 x CH Ph), 129.0 (s, 2 x CH Ph), 129.2 (s, CH Ph), 134.7 (s, C q Ph), 137.7 (s, C q Ph), 166.1 (s, C=O).

Rf

(±)-N,N-Dibenzyl-2-benzyl-4-pentafluorosulfanyl-3-phenylisoxazolidin-5-ylcarboxamide 72c

The title compound was prepared according to the general procedure. The resulting crude product was purified by silica gel column chromatography (PE/AcOEt = 96:4) to afford 72c in 24% yield (conversion: ~50%) as one diastereoisomer (colourless oil). CH Ph), 135.0 (s, C q Ph), 136.0 (s, C q Ph), 136.5 (s, C q Ph), 136.6 (s, C q Ph), 167.9 (s, C=O).

Rf

(±)-2,5-Dibenzyl-3-ethyl-4-pentafluorosulfanylisoxazolidine-3,5-dicarboxylate 73a

The title compound was prepared according to the general procedure. The resulting crude product was purified by silica gel column chromatography (PE/AcOEt = 94:6) to afford 73a in 15% yield (conversion: ~80%). Two diastereoisomers were initially present in reaction crude (67:33) but only one diastereoisomer was isolated as a white solid. Rf = 0.25 (PE/AcOEt = 90:10) IR (cm -1 ): 2918, 2850, 1739, 1726, 1456, 1271, 1225. 13 C NMR (CDCl 3 , 75 MHz): δ 14.0 (s, COOCH 2 CH 3 ), 61.9 (s, NCH 2 Ph), 62.6 (s, COOCH 2 CH 3 ), 71.3 (q t , 3 J C,F = 3.9 Hz, CHCOOCH 2 CH 3 ), 77.1 (q t , 3 J C,F = 4.4 Hz, CHCON), 87.8 (q t , 2 J C,F = 11.8 Hz, CHSF 5 ), 127.9 (s, CH Ph), 128.3 (s, 2 x CH Ph), 129.0 (s, 2 x CH Ph), 136.0 (s, C q Ph), 164.8 (s, C=O), 166.2 (s, C=O).

Selected data for diastereoisomer n°2:

19 F NMR (CDCl 3 /CFCl 3 , 282 MHz): δ 68.2 (dm, 4F, 2 J F,F = 145.7 Hz), 81.9 (m, 1F). The title compound was prepared according to the general procedure. The resulting crude product was purified by silica gel column chromatography (PE/AcOEt = 96:4) to afford product 73d as a mixture of two diastereoisomers (66:34) in 31% yield (conversion: 80%) (white solid).

Rf = 0.23 (PE/AcOEt = 95:5)

The title compound was prepared according to the general procedure. The resulting crude product was purified by silica gel column chromatography (PE/AcOEt = 90:10) to afford product 73e as one diastereoisomer, slightly contaminated by starting amide 11a, in 17% yield (calculated from 1 H NMR) (conversion: 50%) (colourless oil).

Rf = 0.25 (PE/AcOEt = 90:10). The title compound was prepared according to the general procedure. The resulting crude product was purified by silica gel column chromatography (PE/AcOEt = 90:10) to afford 73f in 23% yield (conversion: 50 %) as one diastereoisomer (white solid). 62.53 (s, COOCH 2 CH 3 ), 62.58 (s, CH 2 OAc), 70.4 (q t , 3 J C,F = 3.9 Hz, CHCOOCH 2 CH 3 ), 76.7 (q t , 3 J C,F = 4.2 Hz, CHCH 2 OAc), 88.7 (q t , 2 J C,F = 10.9 Hz, CHSF 5 ), 127.8 (s, CH Ph), 128.4 (s, 2 x CH Ph), 128.9 (s, 2 x CH Ph), 135.2 (s, C q Ph), 167.1 (s, C=O), 170.5 (s, C=O).

Rf

(±)-2-Benzyl-5-(benzyloxycarbonyl)-3-cyano-4-pentafluorosulfanylisoxazolidine 74a

The title compound was prepared according to the general procedure. The resulting crude product was purified by silica gel column chromatography (PE/AcOEt = 75:25)

to afford product 74b in 20% yield (conversion 55%) as a mixture of two diastereoisomers (75:25) (white solid).

Rf = 0.15 (PE/AcOEt = 75:25)

IR (cm -1 ): 2992, 2978, 2921, 2863, 2237, 1644, 1469, 1443, 1237.

HRMS (ESI

1,3-Dipolar cycloaddition with TMS-diazomethane

Ester 9c (75 mg, 1 equiv, 0.26 mmol) was dissolved in anhydrous toluene (1.5 mL) and this solution was cooled to 0°C. TMSCHN 2 (0.26 mL, 2 equiv, 0.52 mmol, 2 M solution in hexanes) was added dropwise. The reaction mixture was then allowed to reach room temperature and it was stirred for 5 h. Solvents were then removed under reduced pressure and the crude product was purified by silica gel column chromatography (EP/AcOEt = 90:10)

giving the non-fluorinated pyrazole 84 (23 mg, 54%) as a colourless oil.

Annex

Due to its unique properties, the pentafluorosulfanyl (SF 5 ) group has recently reached much attention. This bulky, highly lipophilic and electron-withdrawing substituent is often called as a "super-trifluoromethyl group". Currently, the SF 5 -chemistry is becoming a fast growing field of the fluorine chemistry and the new pentafluorosulfanylated building-blocks are under continuous development. Nevertheless, the methods for the introduction of the SF 5group into heterocycles remain still quite limited.

The aim of this thesis was to synthesize new pentafluorosulfanylated building-blocks, on the one hand, and to develop new synthetic approaches leading to original pentafluorosulfanylated nitrogen-containing heterocyles, on the other hand.

In the first part of our work, we have developed an efficient four-step synthesis of new SF 5 -acrylic esters and amides, starting from commercially available allyl acetate derivatives. Using the same strategy, several new pentafluorosulfanylated allylsilanes were synthesized. We have also developed an In-mediated allylation reaction of aldehydes, using the SF 5 -allyl bromide, leading to the corresponding pentafluorosulfanylated a-and g-homoallylic alcohols.

In the second part, two different strategies for the synthesis of new SF 5 -substituted heterocycles were explored. The first one was the direct fluorination of heterocyclic thiols or disulfides, according to the Umemoto's procedure. The second approach was based on the cycloaddition reactions of our pentafluorosulfanylated building-blocks. As a result, we have successfully developed the synthesis of the first SF 5 -substituted pyrrolidines and isoxazolidines. Finally, post-functionalizations of SF 5 -pyrrolidines were performed, leading to several pentafluorosulfanylated scaffolds which could be easily introduce into molecules of biological interest.

Grâce à ses propriétés uniques, le groupement pentafluorosulfanyle (SF 5 ) a récemment retenu beaucoup d'attention. Ce substituant encombrant, hautement lipophile et électroattracteur est souvent considéré comme un "super groupement trifluorométhyl". Aujourd'hui, la chimie de groupement SF 5 est un domaine de la chimie du fluor qui se développe rapidement, et les méthodologies de synthèse des nouveaux « building-blocks » pentafluorosulfanylés sont constamment développées. Néanmoins, les méthodes permettant l'introduction du groupement SF 5 dans les hétérocycles restent encore assez limitées.

L'objectif de cette thèse était de synthétiser des nouveaux « building-blocks » pentafluorosulfanylés, d'une part, et de développer des nouvelles approches synthétiques, conduisant à des hétérocycles azotés originaux, substitués par un groupement SF 5 , d'autre part.

Dans la première partie de notre travail, nous avons développé une synthèse en 4 étapes, conduisant à de nouveaux esters et amides acryliques substitués par un groupement SF 5 , à partir des dérivés commerciaux de l'acetate allylique. En utilisant la même stratégie, quelques nouveaux allylsilanes pentafluorosulfanylés ont été synthétisés. Nous avons aussi développé une réaction d'allylation des aldéhydes, catalysée par indium, en utilisant le bromure SF 5 -allylique, conduisant aux alcools a-et g-homoallyliques correspondants.

Dans la deuxième partie, deux stratégies différentes pour la synthèse de nouveaux hétérocycles SF 5 -substitués, ont été explorées. La première était la fluoration directe des thiols ou disulfures hétérocycliques, suivant la procédure de Umemoto. La deuxième approche était basée sur les réactions de cycloaddition de nos "building-blocks" pentafluorosulfanylés. Ainsi, nous avons développé avec succès la synthèse des premières pyrrolidines et isoxazolidines pentafluorosulfanylées. Enfin, des post-fonctionnalisations des SF 5 -pyrrolidines ont été effectuées, conduisant aux plusieurs "plateformes" pentafluorosulfanylées qui pourraient être facilement incorporées dans les molécules d'intérêt biologique.

EDG

  electron donating group ee -enantiomeric excess equiv -equivalent EWG -electron withdrawing group FMO -frontier molecular orbitals h -hour HetAr -heteroaryl HMBC -heteronuclear multiple bond correlation HOBt -hydroxybenzotriazole HOMO -the highest occupied molecular orbital HRMS -high resolution mass spectroscopy IC 50 -inhibitory concentration 50 (50% response) IR -infrared IBX -2-iodoxybenzoic acid J -spin-spin soupling constance LUMO -the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital m-CPBA -meta-chloroperoxybenzoic acid MS -molecular sieves M.p. -melting point NMO -N-methylmorpholine N-oxide NMR -nuclear magnetic resonance NOESY -nuclear Overhauser effect spectroscopy PCC -pyridinium chlorochromate Ph -phenyl Pin -pinacole

  (a) Murphy, C. D.; Sandford, G. Chim. Oggi Chem. Today 2012, 30, 16. (b) Thayer, A. M. Chem. Eng. News 2006, 84, 15. 5 (a) Kirk, K. L. Org. Process Res. Dev. 2008, 12, 305. (b) Hu, J.; Zhang, W.; Wang, F. Chem. Commun. 2009, 48, 7465. (c) Belhomme, M.-C.; Besset, T.; Poisson, T.; Pannecoucke, X. Chem. Eur. J. 2015, 21, 12836. (d) Besset, T.; Poisson, T.; Pannecoucke, X. Chem.

Figure 1 :

 1 Figure 1: Structures of SF 5 -and CF 3 -derivatives.

  12

Figure 2 :

 2 Figure 2: Electrostatic potential maps of CF 3 -Ph and SF 5 -Ph.

  (a) Trushkov, I. V.; Brel, V. K. Tetrahedron Lett. 2005, 46, 4777. (b) Brel, V. K. Synthesis 2006, 339. (c) Brel, V. K. J. Fluorine Chem. 2007, 128, 862. (d) Husstedt, W. S.; Thrasher, J. S.; Haufe, G. Synlett 2011, 1683.

Scheme 24 :Scheme 25 :

 2425 Scheme 24: Synthesis arylsulfur chlorotetrafluorides starting from the corresponding thiols.The mechanism of the chlorination-fluorination reactions, proposed by Umemoto, consists of six steps sequence, as depicted on the Scheme 25. After the introduction of chlorine to the reaction mixture, its fast reaction takes place leading to the formation of ArSF 3 in four steps (steps 1-4). The presence of this intermediate was confirmed by the 19 F NMR of the reaction mixture. The next two steps, leading to the final SF 4 Cl-product, are slower, probably due to equilibrium in step 5. The reaction of thiols was explained by the same mechanism.

Scheme 30 :

 30 Scheme 30: Selected examples of aromatic nucleophilic substitution reactions of Ar-SF 5 .

Figure 3 :

 3 Figure 3: Presentation of pentafluorosulfanylated heterocycles, depending on their structures.

Figure 4 :

 4 Figure 4: Heteroaromatic derivatives, bearing the SF 5 -group on the aryl moiety.

Figure 5 :

 5 Figure 5: Heteroaromatic derivatives, bearing the SF 5 -group on the heteroaryl moiety.

  Scheme 35: Synthesis of 4-(n-butyl)-3-pentafluorosulfanylfuran.

  Scheme 45: Transformation of 2-pyridylsulfur chlorotetrafluorides into 2-SF 5 -pyridines.

Figure 6 :

 6 Figure 6: Trifluraline (I) and its SF 5 -analogue (II).

Figure 7 :

 7 Figure 7: SF 5 -Analogues of fluoxetine (III), fenfluramine (IV) and norfenfluramine (V).

Figure 8 :

 8 Figure 8: Pentafluorosulfanylated inhibitor of tryptanothione reductase.

Figure 9 :

 9 Figure 9: The binfing conformation of compound VI in the receptor.

Figure 10 :

 10 Figure 10: Pentafluorosulfanylated analogues of flufenamic acid.

Figure 11 :

 11 Figure 11: Pentafluorosulfanylated insecticides: N-aryl pyrimidinones (XI) and N-aryl pyrazoles (XII).

Figure 12 :

 12 Figure 12: SF 5 -Analogue of the herbicide diflufenican.

Figure 13 :

 13 Figure 13: SF 5 -Substituted mefloquine analogues.

Figure 14 :

 14 Figure 14: SF 5 -Substituted antimalarial arylamine-based triazolopyrimidines.

Figure 15 :

 15 Figure 15: New SF 5 -substituted thymidine phosphorylase inhibitor.

Figure 16 :

 16 Figure 16: Targeted pentafluorosulfanylated building-blocks.

Figure 17 :

 17 Figure 17: Targeted pentafluorosulfaylated nitrogen-containing heterocycles.

Figure

  Figure 18: SF 5 -Alcohols 5a-c and SF 5 -acetate 6.

Figure 19 :

 19 Figure 19: SF 5 -aldehyde 7 and SF 5 -acrylic acids 8a and 8b.

Figure 20 :

 20 Figure 20: Targeted SF 5 -acrylic esters and amides.

Figure 21 :

 21 Figure 21: Scope of pentafluorosulfanylated acrylic amides. a E/Z isomers (ratio ~3:1) were separated by silica gel column chromatography.

Figure 23 :

 23 Figure 23: Synthetic transformations of homoallylic alcohols and our SF 5 -targets.

Et 3 B

 3 Scheme 54: Radical addition of SF 5 Cl to allylsilanes 19.

Scheme 56 :

 56 Scheme 56: Electrophilic substitution of allylsilanes catalysed by Lewis acids (a) or fluoride ions (b).

  1 equiv), MS 3 Å, THF, 0°C to reflux 0 a According to 19 F NMR of the reaction mixture. Table 9: Screening of few fluoride sources for allylation reactions of compounds 21a-c with different substituted benzaldehydes.

Figure 24 :

 24 Figure 24: Allylindium intermediate formed in the reaction under aqueous conditions.

Figure 25 :

 25 Figure 25: Possible pentafluorosulfanylated allylindium intermediates.

a 1 H

 1 NMR yields; b Isolated yields.

Figure 26 :

 26 Figure 26: Targeted SF 5 -substituted functionalized allylic compounds.

  Our attention was attracted by pentafluorosulfanylated propargyl alcohol and the corresponding acid (Figure27, (a)). Using our previously developed methodology 83 , acid could give also access to a new class of SF 5 -propargylic esters and amides (Figure27,(b)).

Figure 27 :

 27 Figure 27: Targeted pentafluorosulfanylated propargylic derivatives.

  Scheme 65: Attempt for the synthesis of SF 5 -propargyl alcohol.

Figure 28 :

 28 Figure 28: Possible products of the SF 5 Cl addition to propargyl acetate 29.

Figure 29 :

 29 Figure 29: Targeted pentafluorosulfanylated pyridines.

  Scheme 67: Chlorination-fluorine substitution of disulfide 32.

Scheme 68 :

 68 Scheme 68: Attempts of transformation of compound 34 into SF 5 -pyridine 36.

  Scheme 69: Diels-Alder cycloadditions of CF 3 -and SF 5 -acrylic derivatives.

on

  Scheme 70: Reaction of SF 5 -acid 8a with oxazole 37 (a) and the proposed mechanism of oxazole-ring opening (b).

Figure 30 :

 30 Figure 30: Targeted pentafluorosulfanylated pyrrolidines.

Figure 31 :

 31 Figure 31: Some examples of pyrrolidine-containing natural products and drugs on the market.

Figure 32 :

 32 Figure 32: DNA gyrase inhibitors, containing fluorinated pyrrolidines.

Figure 33 :

 33 Figure 33: Dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitors, containing difluorinated pyrrolidines.

Figure 34 :

 34 Figure 34: Scope of the 1,3-dipolar cycloadditions with dipole precursors 40a and 40b.

Figure 35 :

 35 Figure 35: X-ray diffraction analysis of SF 5 -pyrrolidine 43b.

Figure 36 :

 36 Figure 36: Scope of the 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition with dipole precursors 49a-b. a Isolated yield. b Ratio of regioisomers.

Figure 37 :

 37 Figure 37: Selected views of HMBC experiments of pyrrolidine 51a (a) and 52a (b).

Figure 38 :

 38 Figure 38: Crystal structure of the 4-SF 5 -pyrrolidine 51a.

ForFigure 40 :

 40 Scheme 79: Model systems for the theoretical study.

  Scheme 81: Possible synthesis of SF 5 -pyrrolidine-containing peptides and analogues of DNA Gyrase inhibitors.

Figure 41 :

 41 Figure 41: Targeted pentafluorosulfanylated cyclic acid and amines

Scheme 83 :

 83 Scheme 83: Attempt for the synthesis of acid 56 from ester 42a.

desired pyrrolidine 60 a

 60 was only slightly improved (28%) (Entry 4). It is worth noting that in almost all reactions the expected SF 5 -pyrrolidine 60 was accompanied by a non-fluorinated diazide 63, which was isolated by silica gel column chromatography, and identified by 1 H and 13 C NMR. Presence of the side product 63 could be explained by the ability of the SF 5substituent to behave as a leaving group. Such a displacement of the SF 5 -group by azido nucleophiles has been already reported in the literature. 104 104 Huang, Y.; Gard, G. L.; Shreeve, J. M. Tetrahedron Lett. 2010, 51, 6951. Entry NaN 3 (equiv) Temperature (°C) Time (h) Conversion (According to the quantity of the starting material 58 recovered after silica flash column chromatography. b Isolated yield.

  the highly toxic potassium cyanide, we chose to synthesize the nitrile 65 via the Mitsunobu reaction 106 of the alcohol 55 (Scheme 91, (a)). The desired product 65 was obtained in 63% isolated yield. Unfortunately, the subsequent reduction using LiAlH 4 failed, leading to the complete degradation of the starting pyrrolidine 65 (Scheme 91,(b)).

Scheme 91 :

 91 Scheme 91: Synthesis of 3-(cyanomethyl)pyrrolidine 65 and the attempt of its reduction into amine 66.

Figure 42 :

 42 Figure 42: Targeted SF 5 -substituted isoxazolidines.

  Scheme 95: 1,3-Dipolar cycloaddition of nitrones with alkenes leading to substituted isoxazolidines.

(a) 1, 3 -

 3 Dipolar cycloaddition of electron-rich or electron-neutral alkenesthe reaction is controlled by the LUMO nitrone -HOMO alkene interaction. The LUMO nitrone has the largest coefficient at the carbon atom and the HOMO alkene -at the terminal carbon.Therefore, 5-substituted isoxazolidines are obtained, which is also supported by the steric factors (Scheme 96, (a)).(b) 1,3-Dipolar cycloaddition of monosubstituted alkenes with an EWGthe reaction is controlled by the HOMO nitrone -LUMO alkene interaction. The HOMO nitrone has the largest coefficient at the oxygen atom and the LUMO alkene -at the terminal carbon. In this case, the formation of 4-substituted isoxazolidines is favoured. However, mixture of 4-and 5-regioisomers is often obtained, as the steric factors are counterbalanced by the electronic effects (Scheme 96,(b)).

(c) 1, 3 - 3 -

 33 Scheme 96: (a) 1,3-Dipolar cycloadditions with non-polarized alkenes; (b) 1,3-dipolar cycloadditions with monosubstituted electron-poor alkenes; (c) 1,3-dipolar cycloadditions with disubstituted electron-poor alkenes.

  Scheme 98: 1,3-Dipolar cycloadditions of ethyl 4,4,4-trifluorocrotonate derivatives with N-benzyl-Cethoxycarbonylnitrone.

  Scheme 100: 1,3-Dipolar cycloadditions of SF 5 -building blocks 9c, 11l and 11j with nitrone 71a.Reagents and conditions: (i) 100°C, neat, 20 h.

  Scheme 101: 1,3-Dipolar cycloaddition of building blocks 9c, 11l and 11k with nitrone 71c.Reagents and conditions: (i) 100°C, neat, 13-21 h. a Product 74b was contaminated by the starting amide 11l and nitrone 71c.

  presence of three different carbons coupled with fluorines: C-3 ( 3 J C,F = 3-4 Hz), C-4 ( 2 J C,F = 10-14 Hz) and C-5 ( 3 J C,F = 4-5 Hz) (Figure44, (a)). In the case of the 5-SF 5 -regioisomer, there would be no coupling between carbon C-3 and the fluorine atoms, because of the too long distance between these atoms. In consequence, we would observe only two coupled carbons (C-4 and C-5) on the 13 C NMR spectra(Figure 44, (b)).

Figure 44 :

 44 Figure 44: Possible carbon-fluorine couplings in 4-and 5-SF 5 -isoxazolidines.

Figure 45 : 3 J

 453 Figure 45: 3 J H,H correlations in 4-and 5-SF 5 -isoxazolidines (COSY experiment of isoxazolidine 72a).

Figure 46 :

 46 Figure 46: X-Ray structure of isoxazolidine 73c.

  Scheme 103: Proposed mechanism for the formation of 5-SF 5 -regioisomer and its possible subsequent transformations.

Figure 47 :

 47 Figure 47: Targeted pentafluorosulfanylated isoxazolines.

Scheme 107: 1, 3 -

 3 Scheme 107: 1,3-Dipolar cycloaddition of acrylate n° with nitril oxide 78.

Figure 48 :

 48 Figure 48: Targeted pentafluorosulfanylated pyrazolines.

3 -

 3 Scheme 110: 1,3-Dipolar cycloadditions of TMS-diazomethane with a,b-unsaturated esters.

Scheme 114: 1, 3 -

 3 Scheme 114: 1,3-Dipolar cycloadditions of SF 5 -ester 9c and amide 11j with CF 3 -diazomethane.

First, a straightforward

  single step procedure for the preparation of SF 5 -subtituted pyrrolidines 42-44 and 51,52, using pentafluorosulfanyl-substituted acrylic esters 9,10, amides 11,12 and allylic acetate 6 was developed. 1,3-Dipolar cycloaddition reactions of these building-blocks with two different types of azomethine ylide precursors (40a,b and 49a,b) led to various SF 5 -pyrrolidines in good yields. Moreover, the main factors accounting for the regiochemistry of these reactions were rationalized by a convergent DFT-Conceptual DFT-QTAIM theoretical study. Preliminary attempt of the synthesis of enantiopure SF 5pyrrolidines 51a,52a has been performed as well, leading to a promising ~37% enantiomeric excess. We have also subjected some of pyrrolidines 42-44 to a series of chemical transformations, affording various functionalized derivatives 60, 62 and 70, which could be further incorporated into more complex structures of biological interest.

Figure 48 :

 48 Figure 48: New SF 5 -acrylic esters 9-10 and amides 11-12.

Figure 49 :

 49 Figure 49: New SF 5 -allylsilanes 21a-c and SF 5 -homoallylic alcohols 22a-c and 23a-c.

Figure

  Figure 50: New SF 5 -pyrrolidines (42-44 and 51,52) and SF 5 -isoxazolidines (72-76).

  procedure for the radical addition of SF 5 Cl to allylic acetates 1a-c

  ): δ 64.1 (dd, 4F, 2 J F,F = 150.9 Hz, 3 J F,H = 8.7 Hz), 80.4 (m, 1F). 1 H NMR (CDCl 3 , 300 MHz): δ 2.23 (m, 3H, CH 3 ), 7.46 (m, 1H, C=CHSF 5 ), 10.13 (br s, 1H, COOH).

  (CDCl 3 /CFCl 3 , 282 MHz): δ 62.3 (dm, 4F, 2 J F,F = 152.6 Hz), 77.5 (m, 1F).

  ): δ 6.74 (dd, 1H, 3 J H,H = 15.1 Hz, 3 J H,H = 6.8 Hz, CHCHO), 7.3-7.4 (m, 1H, CHSF 5 ), 9.70(d, 1H, 3 J H,H = 6.8 Hz, CHO).

  + ):298, 289, 219, 130.

  + ):285, 269, 225, 221.

  -): calcd for C 10 H 9 F 5 NOS (m/z) 286.0325 [M -H] -, found 286.0315.19 F NMR (CDCl 3 /CFCl 3 , 282 MHz): δ 63.0 (dd, 4F, 2 J F,F = 150.9 Hz, 3 J F,H = 5.2 Hz), 79.8 (m, 1F).1 H NMR (CDCl 3 , 300 MHz): δ 4.55(d, 2H, 3 J H,H = 5.7 Hz, CH 2 ), 6.02 (br s, 1H, NH), 6.57(d, 1H, 3 J H,H = 14.2 Hz, CH=CHSF 5 ), 7.3-7.4 (m, 5H, Ph), 7.4-7.5 (m, 1H, CH=CHSF 5 ).

  1 H NMR (CDCl 3 , 300 MHz): δ 6.76(d, 1H, 3 J H,H = 14.3 Hz, CH=CHSF 5 ), 7.20 (m, 1H, Ph) 7.37 (m, 2H, Ph), 7.4-7.6 (m, 3H, CH=CHSF 5 + Ph), 7.67 (br s, 1H, NH).

  ): δ 120.4 (s, 2 x CH Ph), 125.7 (s, CH Ph), 129.3 (s, 2 x CH Ph),

  + ): calcd for C 6 H 9 F 5 NOS (m/z) 238.0325 [M + H] + , found 238.0321.

  ): δ 3.97 (m, 2H, CH 2 NH), 5.18-5.27 (m, 2H, CH 2 =CH), 5.84 (m, 1H, CH 2 =CH), 6.71(d, 1H, 3 J H,H = 14.5 Hz, CH=CHSF 5 ), 6.77 (m, 1H, NH), 7.39 (m, 1H, CH=CHSF 5 ).

  br s, 1H, NH), 6.61(d, 1H, 3 J H,H = 14.4 Hz, CH=CHSF 5 ), 7.45 (m, 1H, CH=CHSF 5 ).

  = 0.38 (cyclohexane/AcOEt = 90:10) IR (cm -1 ): 3067, 2928, 1658, 1429. HRMS (ESI + ): calcd for C 17 H 17 F 5 NOS (m/z) 378.0951 [M + H] + , found 378.0948.

  ): δ 4.50 (s, 2H, CH 2 ), 4.67 (s, 2H, CH 2 ), 7.05 (d, 1H,[START_REF]), as pure E-or Z-stereoisomers, except for the nitrone 71b, which was obtained as a (2:1) mixture of E/Z-isomers. 116 Nitrone 71c was prepared by us in a two-step synthesis, according to the literature. 117 First, the monocyanomethylation of benzyl amine was performed, leading to N-benzyl-Ncyanomethylamine in 90% yield. The next step was the oxidation of the latter with m-CPBA, to give nitrone 71c in 75%[END_REF] J H,H = 14.3 Hz, CH=CHSF 5 ), 7.0-7.4 (m, 10H, 2 x Ph), 7.50 (m, 1H, CH=CHSF 5 ).

  calcd for C 11 H 13 F 5 NOS (m/z) 302.0638 [M + H] + , found 302.0634.

19 F NMR (CDCl 3 /

 3 CFCl 3 , 282 MHz): δ 63.0 (dd, 4F, 2 J F,F = 149.1 Hz, 3 J F,H = 5.2 Hz), 85.5 (m, 1F).

(Rf

  ~0.4:0.6). The resulting crude was purified by silica gel column chromatography (EP/AcOEt = from 98:2 to 84:16) to afford two separated regioisomers: γ-product 22a as only anti diastereoisomer in 19% yield (colorless oil) and α-product 23a as a mixture of E/Z isomers (~1:1) in 12% yield (colorless oil). = 0.60 (EP/AcOEt = 84:16) IR (cm -1 ):3426, 2925, 1686, 1593, 1492.

(

  ~0.3:0.7). The resulting crude was purified by silica gel column chromatography (EP/Et 2 O = from 70:30 to 50:50) to afford two separated regioisomers: γ-product 22b as only anti diastereoisomer in 27% yield (colourless oil) and α-product 23b as a mixture of E/Z isomers (~1:1) in 11% yield (colourless oil). = 0.35 (EP/Et 2 O = 50:50)

Figure 52 :

 52 Figure 52: Asymmetric unit in thermal ellipsoidal representation.

Figure 53 :

 53 Figure 53: Asymmetric unit with atoms labels.

Figure 54 :Figure 55 :

 5455 Figure 54: Hydrogen bond between adjacent molecules along a axis (dashed blue lines).

Figure 56 :

 56 Figure 56: Projection along b axis, the periodic bond chains are stacked along c.

Figure 57 :

 57 Figure 57: Projection along a axis, the periodic bond chains are organised in conjunction

Figure 58 :

 58 Figure 58: Asymmetric unit in thermal ellipsoidal representation. In light green the fluorine atoms with a statistical occupancy of 43%, in darker green the fluorine atoms with a statistical occupancy of 57%.

Figure 59 :

 59 Figure 59: Asymmetric unit with atoms labels. In light green the fluorine atoms with a statistical occupancy of 43%, in darker green the fluorine atoms with a sof of 57%.

Figure 60 :

 60 Figure 60: Projection along a axis.

Figure 61 :

 61 Figure 61: Projection along c axis.

Figure 62 :

 62 Figure 62: Projection along b axis.

  Crude product was purified by silica gel column chromatography (EP/AcOEt = 70:30 + 2% Et 3 N) giving the desired product 59 (18 mg, 22%) as a colourless oil.

  CuSO 4 .5 H 2 O (7 mg, 0.13 equiv, 0.03 mmol) and Na ascorbate (19 mg, 0.50 equiv, 0.10 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred for 24 h at room temperature. The phases were then separated and the organic phase was dried over MgSO 4 . The solvent was removed and the crude product was purified by silica gel column chromatography (EP/Et 2 O = 30:70) giving product 64 (44 mg, 53%) as a yellow solid. = 0.28 (EP/Et 2 O = 30:70)

  PPh 3 (353 mg, 4.1 equiv, 1.35 mmol) was then added portionwise and the mixture was stirred for 10 min. at 0°C. DEAD (0.21 mL, 4.1 equiv, 1.35 mmol) was added dropwise and the orange-colored reaction mixture was stirred for 20 min., then acetone cyanhydrin (0.04 mL, 1.4 equiv, 0.47 mmol) was added dropwise. The reaction mixture was allowed to reach room temperature and it was stirred for 19 h. The reaction mixture was poured into Et 2 O/pentane (1:1, 26 mL) mixture. The precipitate was removed by filtration and the filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure. Crude product was purified by silica gel column chromatography (EP/AcOEt = 85:15) giving the desired product 65 (68 mg, 63%) as a colourless oil. calcd for C 13 H 16 F 5 N 2 S (m/z) 327.0955 [M+H] + , found 327.0954.19 F NMR (CDCl 3 /CFCl 3 , 282 MHz): δ 59.6 (dd, 4F, 2 J F,F = 143.9 Hz, 3 J F,H = 5.2 Hz), 84.7 (m, 1F

  product was then purified by silica gel column chromatography (EP/Et 2 O = 70:30) giving the product 70 (25 mg, 24%) as a white solid. calcd for C 24 H 29 F 5 N 2 O 3 SNa (m/z) 543.1720 [M+Na] + , found 543.1717. 19 F NMR (CDCl 3 /CFCl 3 , 282 MHz): δ 59.6 (dm, 4F, 2 J F,F = 143.9 Hz), 83.8 (m, 1F).1 H NMR (CDCl 3 , 300 MHz): δ 1.58 (s, 9H, C(CH 3 ) 3 ), 3.2-3.6 (m, 1H, CH A H B CHSF 5 ), 3.7-4.1 (m, 3H, CH A H B CHSF 5 + CH A H B CHCON + CH A H B CHCON), 4.1-4.3 (m, 1H, CH A H B CHCON), 4.5-5.2 (m, 4H, N(CH 2 Ph) 2 ), 5.42 (m, 1H, CHSF 5 ), 7.2-7.6 (m, 10H, 2 x Ph).

  (CDCl 3 /CFCl 3 , 282 MHz): δ 62.4 (dd, 4F, 2 J F,F = 146.5 Hz, 3 J F,H = 6.1 Hz), 85.0 (m, 1F).

  ): δ 14.0 (s, COOCH 2 CH 3 ), 43.3 (s, NHCH 2 Ph), 61.4 (s, CONHCH 2 Ph), 62.8 (s, COOCH 2 CH 3 ), 71.5 (q t , 3 J C,F = 4.0 Hz, CHCOOCH 2 CH 3 ), 78.4 (q t , 3 J C,F = 4.0 Hz, CHCONHBn), 89.9 (m, CHSF 5 ), 127.6 (s, CH Ph), 127.8 (s, 2 x CH Ph), 128.0 (s, CH Ph), 128.5 (s, 2 x CH Ph), 128.6 (s, 4 x CH Ph), 135.5 (s, C q Ph), 137.3 (s, C q Ph), 165.8 (s, C=O), 168.5 (s, C=O).

  ): δ 13.9 (COOCH 2 CH 3 ), 20.6 (s, CH 3 COO), 60.6 (s, NCH 2 Ph),

  ): δ 4.20 (s, 3H, NCH 3 ), 5.34 (s, 2H, CH 2 Ph), 6.89(d, 1H, 3 J H,H = 2.0 Hz, CH), 7.3-7.4 (m, 5H, Ph), 7.47(d, 1H, 3 J H,H = 2.0 Hz, CH).

  ): δ 39.6 (s, NCH 3 ), 66.6 (s, COOCH 2 Ph), 111.5 (s, CH), 128.2 (s, 2 x CH Ph), 128.5 (s, CH Ph), 128.7 (s, 2 x CH Ph), 132.2 (s, C q Ar), 135.5 (s, C q Ar), 137.8 (s, CH), 159.7 (s, C=O).

CF 3 -aniline: hydrolysis Table 1: Comparison of the properties of the SF 5 -and CF 3 -groups.

	Parameter	SF 5 -group	CF 3 -group
	"Volume" relative to t-Bu	-11.1 Å	-34.9 Å
	Hammet substituent constant (s 1 )	0.55	0.39
	Electronegativity	3.65	3.36
		3.44 D	2.60 D
	Dipole moment (m)
		(for Ph-SF 5 )	(for Ph-CF 3 )
	Hansch hydrophobicity constant (p)	1.51	1.09
		Ph-SF 5 :	Ph-CF 3 :
	98% H 2 SO 4 , 90-100°C
		start of decomposition	hydrolysis within 5 min.
	Chemical stability
		p-SF 5 -aniline:	p-
	1N NaOH aq. , rt
		recovery in 90%

  45

43

Aït-Mohand, S.; Dolbier, W. R. Org.

Lett. 2002, 4, 3013. 44

Dolbier, W. R.; Aït-Mohand, S.; Schertz, T. D.; Sergeeva, T. A.; Cradlebaugh, J. A.; Mitani, A.; Gard, G. L.; Winter, R. W.; Thrasher, J. S. J. Fluorine Chem. 2006, 127, 1302. 45 (a) Ponomarenko, M. V.; Serguchev, Y. A.; Röschenthaler, G. V Synthesis 2010, 3906. (b) Dreier, A.-L.; Matsnev, A. V.; Thrasher, J. S.; Haufe, G. J. Fluorine Chem. 2014, 167, 84. Scheme 14: Et 3 B catalyzed additions of SF 5 Cl to unsaturated compounds. Reagents and conditions: (i) SF 5 Cl, Et 3 B (cat.), hexane, -30°C to rt.

  49

47 Hoover, F. W.; Coffman, D. D. J.

Org. Chem. 1964, 29, 3567. 48

Canich, J. A. M.; Ludvig, M. M.; Paudler, W. W.; Gard, G. L.; Shreeve, J. M. Inorg.

Chem. 1985, 24, 3668. 49

(a) Wang, Q. C.; White, H. F.; Gard, G. L. J. Fluorine

Chem. 1979, 13, 455. (b)

Berry, A. D.; De Marco, R. A.; Fox, W. B. J. Am. Chem.

Soc. 1979, 101, 737.

Synthesis of arylsulfur chlorotetrafluorides starting from the corresponding disulfides.

Quite recently, Umemoto group 57 developed a new practical and economical 2-step procedure leading to pentafluorosulfanylated aromatic derivatives. Arylsulfur chlorotetrafluorides were first prepared in high yields by the reaction of diaryldisufides with chlorine, in the presence of fluoride source (KF or CsF) (Scheme 23). Many SF 4 Clsubstituted aromatic derivatives, bearing different electron-donating and electronwithdrawing substituents on the aryl ring, were prepared by this method in moderate to good yields.

Scheme 23:

55 (a) Bowden, R. D.; Greenhall, M. P.; Moillet, J. S.; Thomson, J.

WO97/05106, 1987; Chem. Abstr. 1997, 126, 199340. (b)

Bowden, R. D.; Comina, P. J.; Greenhall, M. P.; Kariuki, B. M.; Loveday, A.; Philip, D. Tetrahedron 2000, 56, 3399. 56 Ou, X.; Janzen, A. F. J. Fluorine

Chem. 2000, 101, 279. 57

For a recent review, see : Umemoto, T.; Garrick, L. M.; Saito, N. Beilstein J.

Org. Chem. 2012, 8, 461.

  Such SF 5 -derivatives are attractive, since they can be used in agrochemistry, medicinal chemistry or in chemistry of materials. Examples of biologically active pentafluorosulfanylated heterocycles with the SF 5 -group attached to the aryl moiety will be discussed in details in Section 4.1 of this chapter.

Scheme 44: Synthesis of 2-pyridylsulfur chlorotetrafluorides.

	applied to some sulfur-containing heterocyclic compounds, as well. Indeed, a variety of
	substituted 2,2'-dipyridyl disulfides underwent a two-step transformation into the
	corresponding 2-SF 5 -pyridines. The oxidative fluorination of the disulfides with an excess of
	KF and Cl 2 led to the formation of 2-pyridylsulfur chlorotetrafluorides (Scheme 44). This
	first step proceeded through the same mechanism as in the case of aromatic substrates
	(Scheme 25), which was proved by the formation of the pyridylsulfur trifluoride (SF 3 -Pyr)
	intermediate, confirmed by the 19 F NMR. The efficiency of this reaction was highly
	dependent on the aryl-substituent size -it was indeed noticed that with the more
	hindered ortho-substituents, the conversion rate of the SF 3 -intermediate into the
	corresponding SF 4 Cl-product decreased dramatically.
	71 (a) Sipyagin, A. M.; Pomytkin, I. A.; Paltsun, S. V.; Aleinikov, N. N.; Kartsev, V. G. J. Fluorine Chem. 1991,
	54, 115. (b) Williams, A. G., Foster, N. R. WO1994/22817, 1994.

Table 2 : Comparison of the insecticidal activity of the SF 5 -derivative XII and the parent fipronil.

 2

Scheme 48: Preparation of alcohols 5a,b and acetate 6. Reagents and conditions: (i) SF 5 Cl (1.3 equiv), Et 3 B (0.1 equiv), hexane, 1 h, -50°C to -30°C; (ii) KOH (2.2 equiv), H 2 O, 18 h, rt or 60°C; (iii) CH 3 COCl (1.1 equiv), Pyr (1.1 equiv), CH 2 Cl 2 , 6 h, 0°C.

Table 3 : Screening of various conditions for the preparation of 3-pentafluorosulfanylpropenal 7.

 3

	Entry	Conditions	Yield (%)
	1	CAN (6.5 equiv), 50% AcOH, 3 h, 90°C	traces
		1. (COCl) 2 (1.4 equiv), DMSO (2.8 equiv), CH 2 Cl 2 , 25 min, -75°C
	2		traces
		2. Et 3 N (5.0 equiv), overnight, rt
	3	PCC/SiO 2 (2.0 equiv), CH 2 Cl 2 , 2.5 h, rt	44

Table 4

 4

	Entry	Conditions	Z (product) Yield (%)
	1	MeOH (25.0 equiv), H 2 SO 4(cat.) , reflux, 6 h	OMe (9a) degradation
	2	BnOH (3.7 equiv), PTSA (1.6 equiv), toluene, reflux, overnight	OBn (9c)	0
	3	TMS-CHN 2 (2.7 equiv), MeOH, 0°C, 2 h	OMe (9a)	0
	4	SOCl 2 (5 equiv), 80°C, 5 h	Cl (14)	13 a
	5	(COCl) 2 (2 equiv), CH 2 Cl 2 , reflux, overnight	Cl (14)	12 a
	a Isolated yield

, Entry 4) or oxalyl chloride (Table

4

, Entry 5) afforded the corresponding product 14; however, the yields of these reactions were very low (12-13%). 79 (a) Berger, M.; Kern, C.; Eck, M.; Schroeder, J. PCT Int. Appl. 2012 WO 2,012,041,873. (b) Berger, M.; Kern, C.; Eck, M.; Schroeder, J. PCT Int. Appl. 2012 WO 2,012,041,872.

Table 4 : Screening of conditions for the synthesis of esters 9a,c and chloride 14.

 4

Table 5

 5

	Entry	Conditions	Yield a (%)
	1	DCC (1.2 equiv), DMAP (0.3 equiv), CH 2 Cl 2 , rt, overnight	44
	2	DIPC (1.3 equiv), DMAP (1.5 equiv), CH 2 Cl 2 , 0°C, overnight	30
	3	T 3 P (1.5 equiv), Et 3 N (2.0 equiv), CH 2 Cl 2 , 0°C, 2 h	28
	4	DCC (2.0 equiv), HOBt (1.1 equiv), DMAP (1.0 equiv), CH 2 Cl 2 , 0°C, 1 h	64

, Entry 4). The use of HOBt enabled probably a fast capture of O-acylisourea intermediate 15a, preventing its further transformation into the unreactive side-product 15b. a Isolated yield.

Table 5 : Optimization of esterification reactions.

 5

81 (a) Hegarty, A. F.; McCormak, M. T.; Ferguson, G.; Roberts, P. J. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1977, 99, 2015. (b) Rohrich, T.; Thaher, B. A.; Manicone, N.; Otto, H.-H. Monatsh. Chem. 2004, 135, 979. (c) Lauria, A.; Patella, C.; Dattolo, G.; Almerico, A.M. J. Med. Chem. 2008, 51, 2037. 82 (a) Wissmann, H.; Kleiner, H.-J.

Angew. Chem., Int. Ed. Engl. 1980, 19, 133. (b)

Escher, R.; Bünning, P.

Table 6 : Optimization of amidification reactions.

 6

Table 8 : Screening of few Lewis acids for allylation reactions of compounds 21a-b with benzaldehyde.

 8

Table 12 : Attempts of 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of diene 45 with azomethine ylide precursor 40a. Scheme 77: Possible elimination of SF 4 and HF from pyrrolidine 46.

 12

Table 13 : 1,3-Dipolar cycloadditions of SF 5 -ester 9c with imino ester 49a.

 13

Table 14 : Attempts of the oxidation of alcohol 55 to acid 56 and aldehyde 57.

 14

Table 15 : Nucleophilic substitution of chloride 58 with sodium azide.

 15

Table 16 : 1,3-Dipolar cycloaddition of compounds 6, 9c, 11a and 11j-l with nitrone 71b.

 16

Table 17 : 1,3-Dipolar cycloadditions of building blocks 9c and 11j with nitrones 71d and 71e. Reagents and

 17

conditions: (i) 100°C, neat, 14-20 h.

Scheme 116: Incorporation of SF 5 -pyrrolidine motive into compounds of biological interest. Experimental Part 1. General remarks

  All reactions were carried out in dried glassware under argon, unless otherwise noted.Dry THF and CH 2 Cl 2 were obtained by drying over Na / benzophenone and CaH 2 respectively, followed by distillation. Reaction temperatures are reported as the temperature of the bath surrounding the vessel. Commercially available chemicals were obtained from Acros Organics, Aldrich Chemical Co., ABCR (SF 5 Cl), Alfa Aesar, Fischer Scientific and were used without further purification. Dipoles precursors 40a,b128 and 49a,b129 , nitrone 71c 117 and nitrile oxide precursor 77 130 were prepared from commercially available compounds, in one or two-step synthesis, according to the literature. Diene 45 was given by Kofler melting point apparatus. Analytical Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) was performed on precoated 200 μm layer thickness silica gel 60 Alugram® Xtra SIL G/UV 254 .

	Revelation was accomplished with short wave UV light (λ= 254 nm), potassium
	permanganate staining solution or phosphomolybdenic acid followed by heating. Flash
	chromatography was performed on Merck silica gel (40-63 mesh).

Dr. Petr Beier (Academy of Sciences of Czech Republic). Nitrones 71a, 71b, 71d and 71e were prepared by Dr. Mathieu Laurent (Université du Maine). Nitrile oxide procursors 80 and 82 were given by Dr. Pavel Mykhailiuk (Enamine Company, Ukraine).

1 H NMR (300 MHZ),

13

C NMR (75 MHz) and 19 F NMR (282 MHz) spectra were recorded on a Bruker DXP 300. Chemical shifts (δ) are quoted in ppm relative to TMS ( 1 H), CDCl 3 ( 13 C) and CFCl 3 ( 19 F) as external references. Coupling constants (J) are quoted in Hz.

The following abbreviations were used for the multiplicities: s singlet, d doublet, t triplet, q quartet, q t quintuplet, dd doublet of doublet, dm doublet of multiplet, m multiplet. The residual solvent signal was also used as internal reference (CDCl 3 : δ H = 7.26 ppm, δ C = 77.00 ppm). High-Resolution Mass Spectra (HRMS) were recorded on Waters LCT Premier.

Infrared spectra were recorded on a Perkin Elmer FT-IR spectrometer Paragon 100 (ATR); the wave lengths (ν) of recorded IR-signals are quoted in cm -1 . Melting points were measured on a 128 Padwa, A.; Dent, W. J.

Org. Chem. 1987, 52, 235. 129

Lopez-Perez, A.; Segler, M.; Adrio, J.; Carretero, J. C. J.

Org. Chem. 2011, 76, 1945. 130

Vo, Q. V.; Trenerry, C.; Rochfort, S.; Wadeson, J.;

Leyton, C.; Hughes, A. B. Bioorg. Med. Chem. 2013, 21, 5945.

77 19 F NMR (CDCl 3 /CFCl 3 , 282 MHz

): δ 66.2 (dm, 4F, 2 J F,F = 149.1 Hz), 81.8 (m, 1F). 1 H NMR (CDCl 3 , 300 MHz): δ 2.16 (s, 3H, CH 3 ), 3.90-4.16 (m, 2H, CH 2 SF 5 ), 4.28-4.41 (m, 2H, CH 2 OAc), 4.57 (m, 1H, CH(Cl)CH 2 SF 5 ).

CDCl 3 /CFCl 3 , 282 MHz): δ

  65.8 (dd, 4F, 2 J F,F = 149.1 Hz, 3 J F,H = 8.7 Hz), 85.3 (m, 1F).

	1 H NMR (CDCl 3 , 300 MHz): δ 1.75 (m, 1H, OH), 1.94 (s, 3H, CH 3 ), 4.18 (m, 2H, CH 2 OH),
	6.58 (q t , 1H, 3 J H,F = 8.7 Hz, C=CHSF 5 ).
	Diastereoisomer Z:
	19 F NMR (CDCl 3 /CFCl 3 , 282 MHz): δ 65.7 (dd, 4F, 2 J F,F = 149.1 Hz, 3 J F,H = 8.7 Hz), 84.8
	(m, 1F).
	1 H NMR (CDCl 3 , 300 MHz): δ 1.55 (m, 1H, OH), 2.00 (s, 3H, CH 3 ), 4.47 (m, 2H, CH 2 OH),
	6
	-1 ): 3390, 2963, 2928, 2854, 1694, 1087.
	Diastereoisomer E:

HRMS (ESI

-): calcd for C 4 H 6 F 5 OS (m/z) 197.0060 [M -H] -, found 197.0055. 19 F NMR (

  CH 2 ), 29.3 (s, CH 2 ), 29.46 (s, CH 2 ), 29.55 (s, CH 2 ), 29.62 (s, 2 x CH 2 ), 31.9 (s, CH 2 ),

	29.2 (s,
	1 H NMR (CDCl 3 , 300 MHz): δ 0.89 (t, 3H, 3 J H,H = 6.6 Hz, CH 3 ), 1.27 (m, 18H, 9 x CH 2 ),
	1.70 (m, 2H, CH 2 CH 2 O), 4.23 (t, 2H, 3 J H,H = 6.7 Hz, OCH 2 ), 6.59 (d, 1H, 3 J H,H = 14.8 Hz,
	CH=CHSF 5 ), 7.42 (m, 1H, CH=CHSF 5 ).

  calcd for C 15 H 28 F 5 NOSNa (m/z) 388.1709 [M + Na] + , found 388.1702.

	IR (cm -1 ): 3311, 2916, 2853, 1667.
	HRMS (ESI + ): 19 F NMR (CDCl 3 /CFCl 3 , 282 MHz): δ 63.0 (dd, 4F, 2 J F,F = 151.7 Hz, 3 J F,H = 6.1 Hz), 80.0
	(m, 1F).
	1 H NMR (CDCl 3 , 300 MHz): δ 0.89 (t, 3H, 3 J H,H = 6.6 Hz, CH 3 ), 1.2-1.4 (m, 18H, 9 x CH 2 ),
	1.5-1.6 (m, 2H, CH 2 CH 2 NH), 3.34 (m, 2H, CH 2 NH), 6.40 (m, 1H, NH), 6.63 (d, 1H,
	3 J H,H = 14.4 Hz, CH=CHSF 5 ), 7.38 (m, 1H, CH=CHSF 5 ).
	Selected 13 C NMR (CDCl 3 , 75 MHz): δ 14.1 (s, CH 3 ), 22.7 (s, CH 2 ), 26.9 (s, CH 2 ), 29.20 (s,
	CH 2 ), 29.25 (s, CH 2 ), 29.31 (s, CH 2 ), 29.47 (s, CH 2 ), 29.54 (s, CH 2 ), 29.59 (s, 2 x CH 2 ), 31.9

  + ): calcd for C 18 H 19 F 5 NO 2 S (m/z) 408.1057 [M + H] + , found 408.1043.

	19 F NMR (CDCl 3 /CFCl 3 , 282 MHz): δ 63.1 (dd, 4F, 2 J F,F = 150.9 Hz, 3 J F,H = 5.2 Hz), 79.9
	(m, 1F).
	1 H NMR (CDCl 3 , 300 MHz): δ 3.79 (m, 2H, CH 2 CHPh), 4.54 (s, 2H, CH 2 Ph), 5.23 (m, 1H,
	CH 2 CHPh), 6.52 (br s, 1H, NH), 6.57 (d, 1H, 3 J H,H = 14.5 Hz, CH=CHSF 5 ), 7.30-7.40 (m,
	10H, 2 x Ph), 7.40-7.47 (m, 1H, CH=CHSF 5 ).

13 C NMR (CDCl 3 , 75 MHz): δ 53.5 (s, CH Ph), 71.9 (s, CH 2 ), 73.3 (s, CH 2 ), 126.8 (s, 2 x CH Ph), 127.8 (s, 2 x CH Ph), 127.9 (s, CH Ph), 128.0 (s, CH Ph), 128.5 (s, 2 x CH Ph),

CDCl 3 , 300 MHz): δ

  1.49(d, 3H, 3 J H,H = 7.2 Hz, CHCH 3 ), 3.80 (s, 3H, OCH 3 ), 4.69 (m, 1H, CHNH), 6.51 (br s, 1H, NH), 6.63(d, 1H, 3 J H,H = 14.4 Hz, CH=CHSF 5 ), 7.43 (m, 1H, CH=CHSF 5 ).

	+ ): calcd for C 7 H 11 F 5 NO 3 S (m/z) 284.0380 [M + H] + , found 284.0386.

19 F NMR (CDCl 3 /CFCl 3 , 282 MHz): δ 62.9 (dd, 4F, 2 J F,F = 150.9 Hz, 3 J F,H = 5.2 Hz), 79.6 (m, 1F).

1 H NMR (

19 F NMR (CDCl 3 /CFCl 3 , 282 MHz

  ) : δ 65.5 (dm, 4F, 2 J F,F = 147.4 Hz), 82.9 (m, 1F).

	1 H NMR (CDCl 3 , 300 MHz): δ 2.13 (dd, 1H, 2 J H,H = 15.3 Hz, 3 J H,H = 6.8 Hz, CH A H B SiPh 3 ),
	2.23 (dd, 1H, 2 J H,H = 15.3 Hz, 3 J H,H = 6.8 Hz, CH A H B SiPh 3 ), 3.87 (m, 2H, CH 2 SF 5 ), 4.54 (m,
	1H, CHCl), 7.4-7.7 (m, 15H, 3 x Ph).

Typical procedure for the elimination reaction of compounds 20b-d

	2.3.2. Triphenylsilane 20b (460 mg, 1 equiv, 0.99 mmol) was treated with KOH (525 mg,
	8 equiv, 7.95 mmol) in 1,4-dioxane (1.3 mL). The reaction mixture was stirred at room
	temperature for 25 minutes. The resulting mixture was then filtered and the precipitate was
	washed with CH 2 Cl 2 . The filtrate was concentrated under reduced pressure to give crude
	product; the latter was purified by Kugelrohr distillation (80-140°C, 0.2 mbar) to give
	compound 21a as a yellow oil (367 mg, 87%).
	(E)-(3
	19 F NMR (CDCl 3 /CFCl 3 , 282 MHz): δ 65.3 (dm, 4F, 2 J F,F = 147.4 Hz), 83.1 (m, 1F).
	1 H NMR (CDCl 3 , 300 MHz): δ 0.13 (m, 9H, Si(CH 3 ) 3 ), 1.29 (m, 2H, CH 2 Si(CH 3 ) 3 ), 3.97
	(m, 2H, CH 2 SF 5 ), 4.50 (m, 1H, CHCl).

-Pentafluorosulfanylallyl)triphenylsilane 21a 19 F NMR (CDCl 3 /CFCl 3 , 282 MHz :

	δ 63.0 (dd, 4F, 2 J F,F = 150.9 Hz, 3 J F,H = 5.2 Hz), 84.8
	(m, 1F).

1 H

NMR (CDCl 3 , 300 MHz): δ

	2.44 (dm, 2H, 3 J H,H = 8.7 Hz, CH 2 SiPh 3 ), 6.16-6.25 (m, 1H,
	CH=CHSF 5 ), 6.49 (m, 1H, CH=CHSF 5 ), 7.2-7.6 (m, 15H, 3 x Ph).

  calcd for C 12 H 16 F 5 OS (m/z) 303.1130 [M+H] + , found 303.1129.

	(m, 1F).
	Selected 1 H NMR (CDCl 3 , 300 MHz): δ 4.2-4.4 (m, 1H, CHSF 5 ), 4.4-4.6 (m, 1H, CHOH),
	5.48 (d, 1H, 3 J H,H = 17.2 Hz, CH=CH A H B ), 5.64 (d, 1H, 3 J H,H = 10.1 Hz, CH=CH A H B ), 6.28
	(m, 1H, CH=CH 2 ), 7.3-7.6 (m, 5H, Ph).
	Selected 13 C NMR (CDCl 3 , 75 MHz): δ 70.1 (q t , 3 J C,F = 2.8 Hz, CHOH), 94.7 (q t ,
	2 J C,F = 7.2 Hz, CHSF 5 ), 125.4 (m, CH=CH 2 ) 126.2 (s, CH=CH 2 ), 128.4 (s, 2 x CH Ph), 128.5
	(s, CH Ph), 128.6 (s, 2 x CH Ph), 140.9 (s, C q Ph).

+ ):

NMR (CDCl 3 , 300 MHz): δ

	The resulting
	crude product was purified by silica gel column chromatography (PE/AcOEt = 92:8) to afford
	42a in 69% yield as a colourless oil.
	Rf = 0.27 (PE/AcOEt = 94:6)
	IR (cm -1 ): 3033, 2807, 1738, 1173.
	HRMS (ESI + ): calcd for C 19 H 21 F 5 NO 2 S (m/z) 422.1213 [M+H] + , found 422.1197.
	19 F NMR (CDCl 3 /CFCl 3 , 282 MHz): δ 59.2 (dd, 4F, 2 J F,F = 143.9 Hz, 3 J F,H = 5.2 Hz), 84.7
	(m, 1F).
	2.9-3.0 (m, 3H, CH 2 CHCOOBn + CH A H B CHSF 5 ), 3.23 (m,
	1H, CH A H B CHSF 5 ), 3.6-3.7 (m, 3H, NCH 2 Ph + CHCOOBn), 5.03 (m, 1H, CHSF 5 ), 5.20 (s,
	2H, COOCH 2 Ph), 7.3-7.4 (m, 10H, 2 x Ph).
	13 C NMR (CDCl 3 , 75 MHz): δ 46.7 (q t , 3 J C,F = 3.6 Hz, CHCHSF 5 ), 55.8 (s,
	CH 2 CHCOOBn), 56.4 (q t , 3 J C,F = 4.7 Hz, CH 2 CHSF 5 ), 58.9 (NCH 2 Ph), 67.3 (s, COOCH 2 ),
	83.3 (q t , 2 J C,F = 11.1 Hz, CHSF 5 ), 127.3 (s, CH Ph), 128.0 (s, 2 x CH Ph), 128.3 (s, CH Ph),
	128.37 (s, 2 x CH Ph), 128.38 (s, 2 x CH Ph), 128.5 (s, 2 x CH Ph), 135.3 (s, C q Ph ), 137.4

1 H

NMR (CDCl 3 , 300 MHz): δ

	The resulting
	crude product was purified by silica gel column chromatography (PE/AcOEt = 86:14)
	to afford 42b in 88% yield as a yellow oil.
	Rf = 0.29 (PE/AcOEt = 86:14)
	IR (cm -1 ): 2919, 1705, 1522, 1342.
	HRMS (ESI + ): calcd for C 19 H 20 F 5 N 2 O 4 S (m/z) 467.1064 [M+H] + , found 467.1064.
	19 F NMR (CDCl 3 /CFCl 3 , 282 MHz): δ 59.2 (dd, 4F, 2 J F,F = 143.9 Hz, 3 J F,H = 5.2 Hz), 84.6
	(m, 1F).
	2.9-3.0 (m, 3H, CH A H B CHSF 5 + CH 2 CHCOO), 3.25 (m, 1H,
	CH A H B CHSF 5 ), 3.63 (d, 1H, 2 J H,H = 13.2 Hz, 1H, NCH A H B Ph), 3.69 (d, 1H, 2 J H,H = 13.2 Hz,
	NCH A H B Ph), 3.71-3.78 (m, 1H, CHCOO), 5.03 (m, 1H, CHSF 5 ), 5.61 (s, 2H,
	COOCH 2 PhNO 2 ), 7.3-7.4 (m, 5H, Ph), 7.5-7.6 (m, 2H, PhNO 2 ), 7.67 (dd, 1H, 3 J H,H = 7.4 Hz,
	3 J H,H = 7.4 Hz, PhNO 2 ), 8.15 (d, 1H, 3 J H,H = 8.2 Hz, PhNO 2 ).
	13 C NMR (CDCl 3 , 75 MHz): δ 46.7 (q t , 3 J C,F = 3.5 Hz, CHCOO), 55.8 (s, CH 2 CHCOO),
	56.4 (q t , 3 J C,F = 4.7 Hz, CH 2 CHSF 5 ), 58.9 (s, NCH 2 Ph), 64.0 (s, COOCH 2 PhNO 2 ), 83.2 (q t ,
	2 J C,F = 11.6 Hz, CHSF 5 ), 125.1 (s, CH Ar), 127.4 (s, CH Ar), 128.41 (s, 2 x CH Ar), 128.44
	(s, 2 x CH Ar), 128.9 (s, CH Ar), 129.0 (s, CH Ar), 131.3 (s, CH Ar), 133.8 (s, C q Ar), 137.4

1 H

NMR (CDCl 3 , 300 MHz): δ

	The resulting
	crude product was purified by silica gel column chromatography (PE/AcOEt = 96:4) to afford
	42c in 62% yield as a colourless oil.
	Rf = 0.26 (PE/AcOEt = 96:4)
	IR (cm -1 ): 2924, 2854, 1740, 1457, 1189.
	HRMS (ESI + ): calcd for C 24 H 39 F 5 NO 2 S (m/z) 500.2622 [M+H] + , found 500.2621.
	19 F NMR (CDCl 3 /CFCl 3 , 282 MHz): δ 59.1 (dd, 4F, 2 J F,F = 143.9 Hz, 3 J F,H = 5.2 Hz), 84.8
	(m, 1F).
	0.89 (m, 3H, CH 3 ), 1.2-1.4 (m, 18H, 9 x CH 2 ), 1.5-1.6 (m,
	2H, COOCH 2 CH 2 ), 2.89 (d, 2H, 3 J H,H = 6.8 Hz, CH 2 CHCOO), 2.98 (m, 1H, CH A H B CHSF 5 ),
	3.21 (m, 1H, CH A H B CHSF 5 ), 3.6-3.7 (m, 3H, CHCOO + NCH 2 Ph), 4.15 (t, 2H,
	3 J H,H = 6.6 Hz, COOCH 2 CH 2 ), 5.00 (m, 1H, CHSF 5 ), 7.3-7.4 (m, 5H, Ph).
	13 C NMR (CDCl 3 , 75 MHz): δ 14.1 (s, CH 3 ), 22.7 (s, CH 2 ), 25.7 (s, CH 2 ), 28.5 (s, CH 2 ),
	29.2 (s, CH 2 ), 29.3 (s, CH 2 ), 29.45 (s, CH 2 ), 29.52 (s, CH 2 ), 29.6 (s, 2 x CH 2 ), 31.9 (s, CH 2 ),
	46.8 (q t , 3 J C,F = 3.7 Hz, CHCOO), 56.0 (s, CH 2 CHCOO), 56.5 (q t , 3 J C,F = 4.4 Hz,
	CH 2 CHSF 5 ), 59.1 (s, NCH 2 Ph), 65.8 (s, COOCH 2 ), 83.4 (q t , 2 J C,F = 11.6 Hz, CHSF 5 ), 127.4
	(s, CH Ph), 128.41 (s, 2 x CH Ph), 128.45 (s, 2 x CH Ph), 137.5 (s, C q Ph), 171.9 (s, C=O).

1 H

NMR (CDCl 3 , 300 MHz): δ

	The resulting
	crude product was purified by silica gel column chromatography (PE/AcOEt = 98:2) to afford
	42d in 46% yield as a colourless oil.
	Rf = 0.28 (PE/AcOEt = 96:4)
	IR (cm -1 ): 1734, 1455, 1263, 1212, 1107.
	HRMS (ESI + ): calcd for C 20 H 23 F 5 NO 2 S (m/z) 436.1370 [M+H] + , found 436.1367.
	19 F NMR (CDCl 3 /CFCl 3 , 282 MHz): δ 65.7 (dm, 4F, 2 J F,F = 143.9 Hz), 85.0 (m, 1F).
	1.69 (s, 3H, CH 3 ), 2.83 (d, 1H, 2 J H,H = 8.8 Hz,
	CH A H B C(CH 3 )COOBn), 2.95 (d, 1H, 2 J H,H = 8.8 Hz, CH A H B C(CH 3 )COOBn), 3.21 (m, 1H,
	CH A H B CHSF 5 ), 3.47 (m, 1H, CH A H B CHSF 5 ), 3.74 (m, 2H, NCH 2 Ph), 5.20 (s, 2H,
	COOCH 2 Ph), 5.2-5.3 (m, 1H, CHSF 5 ), 7.3-7.4 (m, 10H, 2 x Ph).
	13 C NMR (CDCl 3 , 75 MHz): δ 19.5 (m, CH 3 ), 52.9 (s, C(CH 3 )COOBn), 53.3 (q t , 3 J C,F = 5.0
	Hz, CH 2 CHSF 5 ), 60.0 (s, CH 2 C(CH 3 )COOBn), 64.4 (s, NCH 2 Ph), 67.6 (s, COOCH 2 Ph), 86.1
	(q t , 2 J C,F = 10.5 Hz, CHSF 5 ), 127.4 (s, CH Ph), 128.2 (s, 2 x CH Ph), 128.4 (s, 2 x CH Ph),
	128.45 (s, CH Ph), 128.51 (s, 2 x CH Ph), 128.6 (s, 2 x CH Ph), 135.4 (s, C q Ph), 137.9 (s, C q

1 H

NMR (CDCl 3 , 300 MHz): δ

	The resulting crude product
	was purified by silica gel column chromatography (PE/AcOEt = 92/8) to afford 42e in 66%
	yield as a colourless oil.
	Rf = 0.27 (PE/AcOEt = 94:6)
	IR (cm -1 ): 2835, 1743, 1615, 1515.
	HRMS (ESI + ): calcd for C 20 H 23 F 5 NO 3 S (m/z) 452.1319 [M+H] + , found 452.1320.
	19 F NMR (CDCl 3 /CFCl 3 , 282 MHz): δ 59.2 (dd, 4F, 2 J F,F = 144.8 Hz, 3 J F,H = 6.1 Hz), 84.7
	(m, 1F).
	2.8-3.0 (m, 3H, CH 2 CHCOOBn + CH A H B CHSF 5 ), 3.22 (m,
	1H, CH A H B CHSF 5 ), 3.52 (d, 1H, 2 J H,H = 12.8 Hz, NCH A H B ), 3.60 (d, 1H, 2 J H,H = 12.8 Hz,
	NCH A H B ), 3.6-3.7 (m, 1H, CHCOOBn), 3.81 (s, 3H, CH 3 ), 5.02 (m, 1H, CHSF 5 ), 5.19 (s,
	2H, CH 2 Bn), 6.86 (d, 2H, 3 J H,H = 8.6 Hz, PhOMe), 7.19 (d, 2H, 3 J H,H = 8.6 Hz, PhOMe),
	7.3-7.4 (m, 5H, Ph).
	13 C NMR (CDCl 3 , 75 MHz): δ 46.7 (q t , 3 J C,F = 3.3 Hz, CHCHSF 5 ), 55.3 (s, CH 3 ), 55.8 (s,
	CH 2 CHCOOBn), 56.4 (q t , 3 J C,F = 4.7 Hz, CH 2 CHSF 5 ), 58.4 (NCH 2 ), 67.4 (s, COOCH 2 Ph),
	83.3 (q t , 2 J C,F = 11.1 Hz, CHSF 5 ), 113.8 (s, 2 x CH Ar), 128.1 (s, 2 x CH Ar), 128.4 (s, CH
	Ar), 128.6 (s, 2 x CH Ar), 129.4 (s, C q PhOMe), 129.7 (s, 2 x CH Ar), 135.3 (s, C q Ph), 159.0
	(s, C q PhOMe), 171.7 (C=O).

1 H

NMR (CDCl 3 , 300 MHz): δ

	The resulting
	crude product was purified by silica gel column chromatography (PE/AcOEt = 94:6) to afford
	42f in 46% yield as a colourless oil.
	Rf = 0.44 (PE/AcOEt = 90:10)
	IR (cm -1 ): 2924, 2854, 1739, 1514, 1462, 1248, 1180.
	19 F NMR (CDCl 3 /CFCl 3 , 282 MHz): δ 59.1 (dd, 4F, 2 J F,F = 145.7 Hz, 3 J F,H = 5.2 Hz), 84.9
	(m, 1F).
	0.89 (t, 3H, 3 J H,H = 6.6 Hz, CH 3 CH 2 ), 1.2-1.4 (m, 18H,
	9 x CH 2 ), 1.63 (m, 2H, COOCH 2 CH 2 ), 2.87 (d, 2H, 3 J H,H = 7.0 Hz, CH 2 CHCOO), 2.95 (dd,
	1H, 2 J H,H = 10.2 Hz, 3 J H,H = 8.3 Hz, CH A H B CHSF 5 ), 3.19 (m, 1H, CH A H B CHSF 5 ), 3.5-3.6
	(m, 3H, CHCOO + NCH 2 Ph), 3.81 (s, 3H, CH 3 O), 4.15 (t, 2H, 3 J H,H = 6.7 Hz, COOCH 2 CH 2 ),
	4.98 (m, 1H, CHSF 5 ), 6.87 (d, 2H, 3 J H,H = 8.6 Hz, PhOMe), 7.21 (d, 2H, 3 J H,H = 8.6 Hz,
	PhOMe).
	13 C NMR (CDCl 3 , 75 MHz): δ 14.1 (s, CH 3 CH 2 ), 22.7 (s, CH 2 ), 25.7 (s, CH 2 ), 28.5 (s, CH 2 ),
	29.2 (s, CH 2 ), 29.3 (s, CH 2 ), 29.46 (s, CH 2 ), 29.54 (s, CH 2 ), 29.6 (s, 2 x CH 2 ), 31.9 (s, CH 2 ),
	46.8 (q t , 3 J C,F = 3.6 Hz, CHCOO), 55.2 (s, CH 3 O), 55.9 (s, CH 2 CHCOO), 56.4 (q t ,
	3 J C,F = 4.4 Hz, CH 2 CHSF 5 ), 58.5 (s, NCH 2 Ph), 65.8 (s, COOCH 2 ), 83.5 (q t , 2 J C,F = 11.6 Hz,
	CHSF 5 ), 113.8 (s, 2 x CH Ph), 129.6 (s, CH PhOMe), 129.7 (s, 2 x CH PhOMe), 159 (s, C q

1 H

NMR (CDCl 3 /CFCl 3 , 282 MHz): δ

	(s, CH Ph), 127.9 (s, CH Ph), 128.0 (s, 2 x CH Ph), 128.4 (s, 4 x CH Ph), 128.7 (s, 2 x CH
	The resulting
	crude product was purified by silica gel column chromatography (PE/AcOEt = 88:12)
	to afford 43a in 79% yield as a white solide.
	M.p.: 80°C
	Rf = 0.16 (PE/AcOEt = 90:10)
	IR (cm -1 ): 3030, 2807, 1648.
	HRMS (ESI + ): calcd for C 26 H 28 F 5 N 2 OS (m/z) 511.1843 [M+H] + , found 511.1837.
	59.6 (dd, 4F, 2 J F,F = 145.7 Hz, 3 J F,H = 5.2 Hz), 85.6
	(m, 1F).
	1 H NMR (CDCl 3 , 300 MHz): δ 2.64 (m, 1H, CH A H B CHCONBn 2 ), 2.80 (m, 1H,
	CH A H B CHCONBn 2 ), 3.17 (m, 2H, CH 2 CHSF 5 ), 3.53 (d, 1H, 2 J H,H = 13.3 Hz, NCH A H B Ph),
	3.71 (d, 1H, 2 J H,H = 13.3 Hz, NCH A H B Ph), 3.88 (m, 1H, CHCONBn 2 ), 4.30-4.50 (m, 3H,
	NCH 2 Ph + NCH A H B Ph), 4.89 (d, 1H, 2 J H,H = 14.7 Hz, NCH A H B Ph), 5.48 (m, 1H, CHSF 5 ),
	7.1-7.2 (m, 5H, Ph), 7.3-7.4 (m, 10H, 2 x Ph).
	13 C NMR (CDCl 3 , 75 MHz): δ 44.7 (q t , 3 J C,F = 3.3 Hz, CHCONBn 2 ), 48.7 (s, CONCH 2 Ph),
	49.7 (s, CONCH 2 Ph), 56.2 (q t , 3 J C,F = 5.0 Hz, CH 2 CHSF 5 ), 56.4 (s, CH 2 CHCONBn 2 ), 59.0
	(s, NCH 2 Ph), 84.3 (q t , 2 J C,F = 10.3 Hz, CHSF 5 ), 126.4 (s, 2 x CH Ph), 127.3 (s, CH Ph), 127.5

19 F

Table 20

 20

	. The full crystallographic parameters (atomic

Table 20 : Crystal data

 20

Table 21 : Hydrogen bond table.

 21

NMR (CDCl 3 , 75 MHz): δ

  42.7 (s, NCH 2morpholino ), 44.0 (q t , 3 J C,F = 3.6 Hz, CHCON), 46.0 (s, NCH 2morpholino ), 56.0 (q t , 3 J C,F = 5.0 Hz, CH 2 CHSF 5 ), 56.1 (m, CH 2 SF 5 ), 59.0 (s, NCH 2 Ph), 66.5 (s, OCH 2morpholino ), 66.7 (s, OCH 2morpholino ), 84.1 (q t , 2 J C,F = 10.5 Hz,

	CHSF 5 ), 127.3 (s, CH Ph), 128.36 (s, 2 x CH Ph), 128.43 (s, 2 x CH Ph), 137.4 (s, C q Ph),
	170.0 (s, C=O).
	HRMS (ESI + ): calcd for C 16 H 22 F 5 N 2 O 2 S (m/z) 401.1322 [M+H] + , found 401.1310.
	19 F NMR (CDCl 3 /CFCl 3 , 282 MHz): δ 59.0 (dd, 4F, 2 J F,F = 145.7 Hz, 3 J F,H = 5.2 Hz), 85.5
	(m, 1F).
	1 H NMR (CDCl 3 , 300 MHz): δ 2.58 (m, 1H, CH A H B CHCON), 2.98 (m, 1H,
	CH A H B CHCON), 3.1-3.3 (m, 2H, CH 2 CHSF 5 ), 3.4-39 (m, 11H, CHCON + NCH 2 Ph,
	4 x CH 2morpolino ), 5.33 (m, 1H, CHSF 5 ), 7.3-7.4 (m, 5H, Ph).

-1 ):

2925, 2852, 1644, 1437, 1230.

13 C

NMR (CDCl 3 /CFCl 3 , 282 MHz): δ

  2 CHCH 2 OAc), 57.1 (q t , 3 J C,F = 5.0 Hz, CH 2 CHSF 5 ), 59.3 (s, NCH 2 Ph), 65.2 (s, CH 2 OAc), 84.8 (q t , 2 J C,F = 10.6 Hz, CHSF 5 ), 127.3 (s, CH Ph), 128.4 (m, 4 x CH Ph), 137.8 (s, C q Ph), 57.4 (dm, 4F, 2 J F,F = 147.4 Hz), 81.5 (m, 1F).

	170.8 (s, C=O).
	(±)-Methyl 3-(1-benzyl-4-cyanopyrrolidin-3-yl)-3-pentafluorosulfanylprop-2-enoate 47
	The resulting
	crude product was purified by silica gel column chromatography (EP/AcOEt = 85:15) Rf = 0.27 (EP/AcOEt = 80:20)
	to afford 43e in 36% yield as a colorless liquid.
	IR (cm -1 ): 3031, 2951, 2210, 1705, 1667, 1496, 1454.
	Rf = 0.24 (EP/AcOEt = 80:20)
	IR (cm -1 ): 3346, 3027, 1642, 1532, 1453. HRMS (ESI + ): calcd for C 16 H 18 F 5 N 2 O 2 S (m/z) 397.1009 [M+H] + , found 397.1018.
	HRMS (ESI + ): calcd for C 20 H 24 F 5 N 2 OS (m/z) 435.1530 [M+H] + , found 435.1519.
	1 H NMR (CDCl 3 , 300 MHz): δ 2.95-3.03 (m, 2H, CH 2 ), 3.13 (m, 1H, CH A H B ), 3.33 (m, 1H, 19 F NMR (CDCl 3 /CFCl 3 , 282 MHz): δ 65.6 (dd, 4F, 2 J F,F = 143.9 Hz, 3 J F,H = 3.5 Hz), 85.4 CH A H B ), 3.57-3.67 (m, 1H, CHCN), 3.72 (s, 2H, NCH 2 Ph), 3.83 (s, 3H, COOCH 3 ), 4.07-
	(m, 1F). 4.16 (m, 1H, CHCSF 5 ), 6.88 (s, 1H, C=CHCOOCH 3 ), 7.3-7.4 (m, 5H, Ph).
	1 H NMR (CDCl 3 , 300 MHz): δ 1.68 (s, 3H, CH 3 ), 2.75 (d, 1H, 2 J H,H = 8.8 Hz, Selected 13 C NMR (CDCl 3 , 75 MHz): δ 32.7 (s, CHCN), 41.3 (m, CHCSF 5 ), 52.9 (s, CH A H B C(CH 3 )CONH), 2.98 (d, 1H, 2 J H,H = 8.8 Hz, CH A H B C(CH 3 )CONH), 3.22 (m, 1H, COOCH 3 ), 56.5 (m, 2 x CH 2 ), 58.8 (s, NCH 2 Ph), 118.3 (s, CN), 127.5 (s, CH Ph), 128.0 (q t ,
	CH A H B CHSF 5 ), 3.51 (m, 1H, CH A H B CHSF 5 ), 3.75 (s, 2H, NCH 2 Ph), 4.45 (dd, 1H, 3 J C,F = 5.8 Hz, CH=CSF 5 ), 128.5 (s, 2 x CH Ph), 128.7 (s, 2 x CH Ph), 137.6 (s, C q Ph), 163.9

2 J H,H = 14.6 Hz,

[START_REF]), as pure E-or Z-stereoisomers, except for the nitrone 71b, which was obtained as a (2:1) mixture of E/Z-isomers. 116 Nitrone 71c was prepared by us in a two-step synthesis, according to the literature. 117 First, the monocyanomethylation of benzyl amine was performed, leading to N-benzyl-Ncyanomethylamine in 90% yield. The next step was the oxidation of the latter with m-CPBA, to give nitrone 71c in 75%[END_REF]

J H,H = 5.0 Hz, NHCH A H B Ph), 4.60 (dd, 1H, 2 J H,H = 14.6 Hz,

[START_REF]), as pure E-or Z-stereoisomers, except for the nitrone 71b, which was obtained as a (2:1) mixture of E/Z-isomers. 116 Nitrone 71c was prepared by us in a two-step synthesis, according to the literature. 117 First, the monocyanomethylation of benzyl amine was performed, leading to N-benzyl-Ncyanomethylamine in 90% yield. The next step was the oxidation of the latter with m-CPBA, to give nitrone 71c in 75%[END_REF]

J H,H = 5.0 Hz, NHCH A H B Ph), 5.42 (m, 1H, CHSF 5 ), 6.27 (br s, 1H, NH), 7.3-7.4 (m, 10H, 2 x Ph).

CH

The title compound was prepared according to the general procedure (2 equiv of dipole precursor 40a). The resulting crude product was purified by silica gel column chromatography (cyclohexane/AcOEt = 85:15) to afford 47 in 18% yield as a colourless oil.

19 F

Table 22

 22

	. The full crystallographic parameters (atomic

Table 22 : Crystal data.

 22

NMR (CDCl 3 , 75 MHz): δ

  calcd for C 20 H 21 F 5 NO 4 S (m/z) 466.1111 [M+H] + , found 466.1118.

	(±)-3-Benzyl-2-methyl-4-pentafluorosulfanyl-5-(p-methoxyphenyl)pyrrolidine-2,3-M.p.: 103-104°C
	dicarboxylate 51b
	Rf = 0.19 (EP/AcOEt = 84:16)
	IR (cm -1 ): 2958, 2835, 1750, 1609, 1515.
	HRMS (ESI + ): calcd for C 21 H 23 F 5 NO 5 S (m/z) 496.1217 [M+H] + , found 496.1217.
	19 F NMR (CDCl 3 /CFCl 3 , 282 MHz): δ 61.3 (dd, 4F, 2 J F,F = 145.7 Hz, 3 J F,H = 5.2 Hz), 84.0
	(m, 1F).
	M.p.: 118-119°C 1 H NMR (CDCl 3 , 300 MHz): δ 3.79 (s, 3H, OCH 3 ), 3.87 (s, 3H, COOCH 3 ), 3.8-3.9 (m, 1H,
	CHCOOBn), 4.36 (d, 1H, 3 J H,H = 9.0 Hz, CHCOOCH 3 ), 4.46 (d, 1H, 2 J H,H = 12.1 Hz,
	Rf = 0.14 (EP/AcOEt = 84:16) CH A H B Ph), 4.69 (d, 1H, 3 J H,H = 9.0 Hz, CHAr), 4.80 (d, 1H, 2 J H,H = 12.1 Hz, CH A H B Ph),
	IR (cm -1 ): 2958, 2841, 1743, 1609, 1520, 1459, 1437. 5.37 (m, 1H, CHSF 5 ), 6.80 (d, 2H, 3 J H,H = 8.1 Hz, Ar), 6.9-7.1 (m, 2H, Ar), 7.21 (d, 2H,
	1 H NMR (CDCl 3 , 300 MHz): δ 2.66 (br s, 1H, NH), 3.88 (s, 3H, CH 3 ), 3.99 (m, 1H,
	CHCOOBn), 4.3-4.4 (m, 2H, COOCH A H B Ph + CHCOOCH 3 ), 4.7-4.8 (m, 2H, CHPh), Selected 1 H NMR (CDCl 3 , 300 MHz): δ 3.51 (s, 3H, COOCH 3 ), 3.83 (s, 3H, PhOCH 3 ), 5.3-5.5 (m, 1H, COOCH A H B Ph), 6.9-7.0 (m, 2H, Ph), 7.3-7.6 (m, 8H, Ph). 4.10-4.14 (m, 1H, CHCOOBn), 4.20 (d, 1H, 3 J H,H = 8.2 Hz, CHCOOCH 3 ), 4.56 (d, 1H,
	53.0 (s, CH 3 ), 53.4 (s, CHCOOBn), 63.4 (q t , 3 J C,F = 3.9 Hz, 3 J H,H = 8.4 Hz, CHPh), 4.96 (m, 1H, CHSF 5 ), 5.19 (s, 2H, COOCH 2 Ph), 6.91 (d, 2H,
	CHCOOCH 3 ), 64.6 (s, CHPh), 67.4 (s, COOCH 2 Ph), 86.9 (q t , 2 J C,F = 10.9 Hz, CHSF 5 ), 127.2 3 J H,H = 7.8 Hz, Ar), 7.3-7.5 (m, 7H, Ar).
	(s, 2 x CH Ph), 128.33 (s, 3 x CH Ph), 128.38 (s, 2 x CH Ph), 128.44 (s, 2 x CH Ph), 128.48
	(s, CH Ph), 134.6 (s, C q Ph), 136.8 (s, C q Ph), 170.1 (s, C=O), 170.2 (s, C=O).
	(±)-4-Benzyl-2-methyl-3-pentafluorosulfanyl-5-(p-methoxyphenyl)pyrrolidine-2,4-
	dicarboxylate 52b
	3.2.2.3.	The reaction of ester 9c with imino ester 49b was carried out according
	to the general procedure as described above and led to a 2:1 mixture of regioisomers 51b and
	52b. The resulting crude product was purified by silica gel column chromatography
	(EP/AcOEt = 84:16) to afford the mixture of 51b and 52b in 35% overall yield.

+ ): 19 F NMR (CDCl 3 /CFCl 3 , 282 MHz): δ 61.4 (dd, 4F, 2 J F,F = 145.7 Hz, 3 J F,H = 5.2 Hz), 83.9 (m, 1F).

13 C HRMS (ESI + ): calcd for C 21 H 23 F 5 NO 5 S (m/z) 496.1217 [M+H] + , found 496.1219.

19 F NMR (CDCl 3 /CFCl 3 , 282 MHz): δ 63.0 (dd, 4F, 2 J F,F = 145.7 Hz, 3 J F,H = 5.2 Hz), 84.9 (m, 1F).

[START_REF]), as pure E-or Z-stereoisomers, except for the nitrone 71b, which was obtained as a (2:1) mixture of E/Z-isomers. 116 Nitrone 71c was prepared by us in a two-step synthesis, according to the literature. 117 First, the monocyanomethylation of benzyl amine was performed, leading to N-benzyl-Ncyanomethylamine in 90% yield. The next step was the oxidation of the latter with m-CPBA, to give nitrone 71c in 75%[END_REF]

J H,H = 7.7 Hz, Ar), 7.

 1H, Ar), 7.86 (d, 2H,[START_REF]), as pure E-or Z-stereoisomers, except for the nitrone 71b, which was obtained as a (2:1) mixture of E/Z-isomers. 116 Nitrone 71c was prepared by us in a two-step synthesis, according to the literature. 117 First, the monocyanomethylation of benzyl amine was performed, leading to N-benzyl-Ncyanomethylamine in 90% yield. The next step was the oxidation of the latter with m-CPBA, to give nitrone 71c in 75%[END_REF]

J H,H = 7.7 Hz, Ar).

3-morpholinocarbonyl-4-pentafluorosulfanyl-5-phenylpyrrolidine-2-

  calcd for C 17 H 22 F 5 N 2 O 4 S (m/z) 445.1220 [M+H] + , found 445.1225. Hz, 3 J H,H = 4.5 Hz, CHCON), 4.40(d, 1H, 3 J H,H = 7.8 Hz, CHCOOCH 3 ), 4.54(d, 1H, 3 J H,H = 7.9 Hz, CHPh), 5.53 (m, 1H, CHSF 5 ), 7.3-7.4 (m, 5H, Ph).

	IR (cm -1 ): 3303, 2919, 2858, 1738, 1632, 1459. 7.9 13 C NMR (CDCl 3 , 75 MHz): δ 42.0 (s, CH 2morpholino ), 45.9 (s, CH 2morpholino ), 49.4 (m, HRMS (ESI + ): 19 F NMR (CDCl 3 /CFCl 3 , 282 MHz): δ 63.2 (dd, 4F, 2 J F,F = 145.7 Hz, 3 J F,H = 5.2 Hz), 85.7 CHCON), 53.0 (s, COOCH 3 ), 53.4 (s, CH 2morpholino ), 64.1 (q t , 3 J C,F = 4.4 Hz, CHCOOCH 3 ),
	(m, 1F). 65.7 (s, CH 2morpholino ), 66.1 (s, CH Ph), 89.5 (q t , 2 J C,F = 8.8 Hz, CHSF 5 ), 127.6 (s, 2 x CH Ph),
	1 H NMR (CDCl 3 , 300 MHz): δ 3.00 (br s, 1H, NH), 3.6-3.9 (m, 11H, 4 x CH 2morpholino + 128.7 (s, 2 x CH Ph), 129.0 (s, CH Ph), 136.0 (s, C q Ph), 168.4 (s, C=O), 170.0 (s, C=O).
	COOCH 3 ), 4.22 (m, 1H, CHCON), 4.36 (m, 1H, CHCOOCH 3 ), 4.57 (d, 1H, 3 J H,H = 8.3 Hz,
	CHPh), 5.06 (m, 1H, CHSF 5 ), 7.3-7.5 (m, 3H, Ph), 7.5-7.6 (d, 2H, 3 J H,H = 6.8 Hz, Ph).
	13 C NMR (CDCl 3 , 75 MHz): δ 42.6 (s, CH 2morpholino ), 46.9 (s, CH 2morpholino ), 52.7 3.2.3. Post-functionalisations of SF 5 -pyrrolidines
	(s, COOCH 3 ), 64.0 (s, CHCOOCH 3 ), 66.4 (s, CH 2morpholino ), 66.7 (s, CH 2morpholino ), 66.8 3.2.3.1. Synthesis of SF 5 -pyrrolidinyl alcohol 55 -Procedure A
	(m, CHCON), 70.5 (m, CHPh), 94.0 (q t , 2 J C,F = 6.3 Hz, CHSF 5 ), 127.5 (s, 2 x CH Ph), 128.7
	(s, CH Ph), 129.0 (s, 2 x CH Ph), 137.5 (s, C q Ph), 169.7 (s, C=O), 170.8 (s, C=O).
	(±)-2-Methyl-4-morpholinocarbonyl-3-pentafluorosulfanyl-5-phenylpyrrolidine-2-
	carboxylate 52c
	Pyrrolidine 42a (180 mg, 1 equiv, 0.43 mmol) in Et 2 O/THF (1:1 mL) was added
	to a suspention of LiAlH 4 in Et 2 O (0.85 mL, 2 equiv, 0.86 mmol, 1 M in Et 2 O) at 0°C.
	carboxylate 51c
	M.p.: 93-94°C
	Rf = 0.32 (EP/AcOEt = 68:32)
	IR (cm -1 ): 3291, 2927, 2857, 1748, 1650, 1441.
	19 F NMR (CDCl 3 /CFCl 3 , 282 MHz): δ 61.4 (dd, 4F, 2 J F,F = 145.7 Hz, 3 J F,H = 6.9 Hz), 85.3
	M.p.: 103-105°C (m, 1F).
	Selected 1 H NMR (CDCl 3 , 300 MHz): δ 2.6-2.7 (m, 1H, CH 2morpholino ), 2.8-2.9 (m, 1H, Rf = 0.24 (EP/AcOEt = 68:32) CH 2morpholino ), 3.0-3.5 (m, 6H, CH 2morpholino ), 3.88 (s, 3H, COOCH 3 ), 4.10 (dd, 1H, 3 J H,H =

  1H, CH A H B CHSF 5 ),3.6-3.7 (m, 2H, NCH 2 Ph), 3.7-3.8 (m, 1H, CH A H B OH), 3.76-3.80 (m, 1H, CH A H B OH), 4.45 (m, 1H, CHSF 5 ), 7.3-7.4 (m, 5H, Ph).

	3.2.3.2.	Synthesis of SF 5 -pyrrolidinyl alcohol 55 -Procedure B
	13 C NMR (CDCl 3 , 75 MHz): δ 43.5 (q t , 3 J C,F = 3.0 Hz, CHCH 2 OH), 56.3
	(s, CH 2 CHCH 2 OH), 57.1 (q t , 3 J C,F = 5.0 Hz, CH 2 CHSF 5 ), 59.6 (s, NCH 2 Ph), 64.8
	(s, CH 2 OH), 84.1 (q t , 2 J C,F = 10.5 Hz, CHSF 5 ), 127.7 (s, CH Ph), 128.6 (s, 2 x CH Ph), 128.7
	KOH (51 mg, 2.2 equiv, 0.91 mmol) in water (0.3 mL) was added to pyrrolidine 44
	(149 mg, 1.0 equiv, 0.41 mmol) and the reaction mixture was stirred at 100°C for 23 h.
	After cooling to room temperature, CH 2 Cl 2 (1 mL) was added to the reaction mixture
	and the latter was stirred vigorously for 10 minutes. Organic phase was separated, dried over
	MgSO 4 and concentrated under the reduced pressure to give the desired product 55 (119 mg,
	91%) as a yellow solid.
	(±)-(1-Benzyl-4-pentafluorosulfanylpyrrolidin-3-yl)methanol 55
	Rf = 0.12 (EP/AcOEt = 90:10)
	IR (cm -1 ): 3334, 3036, 2806, 1659, 1496, 1455, 1249.
	HRMS (ESI + ): calcd for C 12 H 17 F 5 NOS (m/z) 318.0951 [M+H] + , found 318.0955.
	19 F NMR (CDCl 3 /CFCl 3 , 282 MHz): δ 59.3 (dd, 4F, 2 J F,F = 143.9 Hz, 3 J F,H = 6.9 Hz), 85.8
	(m, 1F).

1 H NMR (CDCl

3 , 300 MHz): δ 2.66 (m, 1H, CH A H B CHCH 2 OH), 2.81-2.90 (m, 2H, CH A H B CHSF 5 + CH A H B CHCH 2 OH), 2.97 (m, 1H, CHCH 2 OH), 3.07 (m, 1H, OH), 3.33 (m,

NMR (CDCl 3 , 75 MHz): δ

	3-chloromethyl-4-pentafluorosulfanylpyrrolidine 58
	Rf = 0.45 (EP/Et 2 O = 90:10)
	IR (cm -1 ): 2924, 2854, 1496, 1455, 1294.
	HRMS (ESI + ): calcd for C 12 H 16 ClF 5 NS (m/z) 336.0612 [M+H] + , found 366.0609.
	68-2.74 (m, 1H, CH A H B CHCH 2 Cl), 2.80 (dd, 1H, 2 J H,H =
	9.5 Hz, 3 J H,H = 3.8 Hz, CH A H B CHCH 2 Cl), 2.97 (dd, 1H, 2 J H,H = 10.2 Hz, 3 J H,H = 7.9 Hz,
	CH A H B CHSF 5 ), 3.1-3.2 (m, 2H, CH A H B CHSF 5 + CHCH 2 Cl), 3.58-3.74 (m, 4H, CHCH 2 Cl +
	NCH 2 Ph), 4.24 (m, 1H, CHSF 5 ), 7.3-7.4 (m, 5H, Ph).
	44.0 (q t , 3 J C,F = 3.3 Hz, CHCH 2 Cl), 45.9 (s, CHCH 2 Cl), 56.1
	(s, CH 2 CHCH 2 Cl), 57.2 (q t , 3 J C,F = 4.4 Hz, CH 2 CHSF 5 ), 59.3 (s, NCH 2 Ph), 85.2
	(q t , 2 J C,F = 9.9 Hz, CHSF 5 ), 127.4 (s, CH Ph), 128.47 (s, 2 x CH Ph), 128.50 (s, 2 x CH Ph),

19 F NMR (CDCl 3 /CFCl 3 , 282 MHz): δ 59.4 (dd, 4F, 2 J F,F = 144.8 Hz, 3 J F,H = 6.1 Hz), 85.3 (m, 1F). 1 H NMR (CDCl 3 , 300 MHz): δ 2.

13 C

NMR (CDCl 3 /CFCl 3 , 282 MHz): δ

  59.0 (dd, 4F, 2 J F,F = 143.9 Hz, 3 J F,H = 5.2 Hz), 85.7 (m, 1F).

	(±)-3-(Azidomethyl)-1-benzyl-4-pentafluorosulfanylpyrrolidine 60
	1 H NMR (CDCl 3 , 300 MHz): δ 2.62 (m, 1H, CH A H B CHCH 2 N-phtalimido), 2.72 (m, 1H,
	CH A H B CHCH 2 N-phtalimido), 2.85 (m, 1H, CH A H B CHSF 5 ), 3.1-3.4 (m, 2H, CH A H B CHSF 5
	+ CHCH 2 N-phtalimido), 3.57 (d, 1H, 2 J H,H = 13.0 Hz, NCH A H B Ph), 3.65 (d, 1H, 2 J H,H = 13.0
	Hz, NCH A H B Ph), 3.82 (dd, 1H, 2 J H,H = 13.8 Hz, 3 J H,H = 5.9 Hz, CHCH A H B N-phtalimido),
	3.95 (dd, 1H, 2 J H,H = 13.8 Hz, 3 J H,H = 7.8 Hz, CHCH A H B N-phtalimido), 4.47 (m, 1H,
	CHSF 5 ), 7.2-7.5 (m, 5H, Ph), 7.7-7.8 (m, 2H, Ar), 7.8-8.0 (m, 2H, Ar).
	Selected 13 C NMR (CDCl 3 , 75 MHz): δ 41.3 (s, CHCH 2 N-phtalimido), 41.5 (q t , 3 J C,F = Rf = 0.33 (EP/AcOEt = 96 :4)
	2.8 Hz, CHCH 2 N-phtalimido), 56.4 (s, CH 2 CHCH 2 N-phtalimido), 57.4 (q t , 3 J C,F = 5.0 Hz, IR (cm -1 ): 2923, 2805, 2099, 1496, 1455.
	CH 2 CHSF 5 ), 59.3 (s, NCH 2 Ph), 86.1 (q t , 2 J C,F = 10.0 Hz, CHSF 5 ). HRMS (ESI + ): calcd for C 12 H 16 F 5 N 4 S (m/z) 343.1016 [M+H] + , found 343.1022.
	3.2.3.5.	Synthesis of SF 5 -pyrrolidinyl azide 60
	3 J H,H = 8.1 Hz, CH A H B CHSF 5 ), 3.0-3.1 (m, 1H, CHCH 2 N 3 ), 3.17 (m, 1H, CH A H B CHSF 5 ),
	3.42 (dd, 1H, 2 J H,H = 12.2 Hz, 3 J H,H = 7.9 Hz, CH A H B CHCH 2 N 3 ), 3.53-3.69 (m, 3H,
	CH A H B CHCH 2 N 3 + NCH 2 Ph), 4.18 (m, 1H, CHSF 5 ), 7.3-7.4 (m, 5H, Ph).
	NaN 3 (194 mg, 4 equiv, 2.98 mmol) was added to a solution of chloride 58 (250 mg,
	1 equiv, 0.74 mmol) in DMF (5 mL) and it was stirred at 60°C for 16 h. After cooling
	to room temperature the reaction mixture was poured into water (15 mL) and extracted
	with AcOEt (2 x 12 mL). The organic phase was dried over MgSO 4 and the solvent was
	removed under reduced pressure. Crude product was purified by silica gel column
	chromatography (EP/AcOEt = 96:4) giving the desired product 60 (72 mg, 28%) as a yellow
	oil, accompanied with the diazido derivative 63 (95 mg, 50%) as a colourless oil.

2920, 2847, 1773, 1710, 1467, 1455

.

HRMS (ESI

+ ): calcd for C 20 H 20 F 5 N 2 O 2 S (m/z) 447.1166 [M+H] + , found 447.1165.

19 F 19 F NMR (CDCl 3 /CFCl 3 , 282 MHz): δ 59.4 (dd, 4F 2 J F,F = 143.9 Hz, 3 J F,H = 5.2 Hz), 85.4 (m, 1F).

1 H NMR (CDCl 3 , 300 MHz): δ 2.66-2.68 (m, 2H, CHCH 2 N 3 ), 2.92 (dd, 1H, 2 J H,H = 10.3 Hz, 13 C

NMR (CDCl 3 , 75 MHz): δ

  CH A H B CHN 3 ), 2.87 (m, 1H, CH A H B CHCH 2 N 3 ), 3.08 (dd, 1H, 2 J H,H = 10.6 Hz, 3 J H,H = 5.7 Hz, CH A H B CHN 3 ), 3.55 (dd, 1H, 2 J H,H = 11 Hz, 3 J H,H = 7.8 Hz, CHCH A H B N 3 ), 3.69 (s, 2H, NCH 2 Ph), 3.73 (dd, 1H, 2 J H,H = 11.0 Hz, 3 J H,H = 7.8 Hz, CHCH A H B N 3 ), 4.12 (m, 1H, CHN 3 ),

	(±)-3-Azido-4-(azidomethyl)-1-benzylpyrrolidine 63
	Rf = 0.11 (EP/AcOEt = 96 :4)
	1 H NMR (CDCl 3 , 300 MHz): δ 2.49 (m, 1H, CH A H B CHCH 2 N 3 ), 2.6-2.8 (m, 2H, CHCH 2 N 3
	7.3-7.4 (m, 5H, Ph).
	Selected 13 C NMR (CDCl 3 , 75 MHz): δ 43.4 (s, CHCH 2 N 3 ), 45.1 (s, CHCH 2 N 3 ), 56.2 (s,
	CH 2 CHCH 2 N 3 ), 59.1 (s, CH 2 CHN 3 ), 60.0 (s, NCH 2 Ph), 61.9 (s, CHN 3 ), 127.3 (s, CH Ph),
	128.4 (s, 2 x CH Ph), 128.7 (s, 2 x CH Ph).
	41.8 (q t , 3 J C,F = 3.0 Hz, CHCH 2 N 3 ), 53.6 (s, CH 2 CHCH 2 N 3 ),
	56.1 (s, CHCH 2 N 3 ), 57.0 (q t , 3 J C,F = 4.7 Hz, CH 2 CHSF 5 ), 59.4 (s, NCH 2 Ph), 85.0
	(q t , 2 J C,F = 10.2 Hz, CHSF 5 ), 127.5 (s, CH Ph), 128.48 (s, 2 x CH Ph), 128.54 (s, 2 x CH Ph),
	137.6 (s, C q Ph).

+

CDCl 3 /CFCl 3 , 282 MHz

  + ): calcd for C 17 H 26 F 5 N 2 O 2 S (m/z) 417.1631 [M+H] + , found 417.1635. ): δ 59.2 (dm, 4F, 2 J F,F = 143.9 Hz), 85.8 (m, 1F). CH A H B CHCH 2 NHBoc), 2.83 (m, 1H, CH A H B CHSF 5 ), 3.0 (m, 1H, CHCH 2 NHBoc), 3.2-3.4 (m, 3H, CH A H B CHSF 5 + CHCH 2 NHBoc), 3.58 (d, 1H, 2 J H,H = 12.7 Hz, NCH A H B Ph), 3.68 (d, 1H, 2 J H,H = 12.7 Hz, NCH A H B Ph), 4.26 (m, 1H, CHSF 5 ), 5.14 (br s, 1H, NHBoc), 7.3-7.4 (m, 5H, Ph). (s, CHCH 2 NHBoc), 56.3 (s, CH 2 CHCH 2 NHBoc), 57.3 (m, CH 2 CHSF 5 ), 59.4 (s, NCH 2 Ph),

	1 H NMR (CDCl 3 , 300 MHz): δ 1.46 (s, 9H, C(CH 3 ) 3 ), 2.5-2.6 (m, 1H, CH A H B CHCH 2 NH-
	Boc), 2.6-2.8 (m, 1H,

19 F NMR (

CDCl 3 /CFCl 3 , 282 MHz

  IR (cm -1 ):2962, 2928, 2847, 2800, 1456, 1378.HRMS (ESI +): calcd for C 17 H 24 F 5 N 4 S (m/z) 411.1642 [M+H] + , found 411.1638. ): δ 59.4 (dd, 4F, 2 J F,F = 144.8 Hz, 3 J F,H = 6.1 Hz), 85.1

	(m, 1F).

19 F NMR (1 H NMR (

CDCl 3 , 300 MHz

  ): δ 1.03 (t, 3H, 3 J H,H = 7.3 Hz, CH 2 CH 2 CH 3 ), 1.76 (m, 2H, CH 2 CH 2 CH 3 ), 2.62 (m, 1H, CH A H B CHCH 2 N-triazole), 2.7-2.8 (m, 3H, CH 2 CH 2 CH 3 + CH A H B CHCH 2 N-triazole), 2.90 (m, 1H, CH A H B CHSF 5 ), 3.2-3.3 (m, 2H, CH A H B CHSF 5 + CHCH 2 N-triazole), 3.65 (s, 2H, NCH 2 Ph), 4.34 (m, 1H, CHSF 5 ), 4.5-4.6 (m, 2H, CHCH 2 N-triazole), 7.3-7.4 (m, 6H, Ph + 1H-triazole).

13 C NMR (

CDCl 3 , 75 MHz

  ): δ 13.7 (s, CH 2 CH 2 CH 3 ), 22.6 (s, CH 2 CH 2 CH 3 ), 27.6

NMR (CDCl 3 , 300 MHz): δ

  2.56-2.81 (m, 4H, CH 2 CHCH 2 CN + CH 2 CHCH 2 CN), 2.95 (m, 1H, CH A H B CHSF 5 ), 3.11 (m, 1H, CHCH 2 CN), 3.23 (m, 1H, CH A H B CHSF 5 ), 3.61 (d, 1H, 2 J H,H = 13.0 Hz, NCH A H B Ph), 3.62 (d, 1H, 2 J H,H = 13.0 Hz, NCH A H B Ph), 4.15 (m, 1H, CHSF 5 ), 7.3-7.4 (m, 5H, Ph).

). 1 H

13 C NMR (CDCl 3 , 75 MHz): δ

  28.3 (s, 3 x CH 3 Boc), 43.8 (m, CHCONBn 2 ), 48.5 (s, CH 2 CHCONBn 2 ), 48.9 (s, CONCH 2 Ph), 49.9 (s, CONCH 2 Ph), 50.1 (m, CH 2 CHSF 5 ), 80.7 (s, C q Boc), 82.6 (m, CHSF 5 ), 126.3 (s, 2 x CH Ph), 127.8 (s, CH Ph), 128.1 (s, CH Ph), 128.2 (s, 2 x CH Ph), 128.8 (s, 2 x CH Ph), 129.2 (s, 2 x CH Ph), 135.6 (s, C q Ph), 136.5 (s, C q Ph), 153.3 (s, C=O Boc), 170.1 (s, C=O amide).

CDCl 3 /CFCl 3 , 282 MHz

  calcd for C 24 H 23 F 5 NO 3 S (m/z) 500.1321 [M+H] + , found 500.1319. ): δ 62.0 (dd, 4F, 2 J F,F = 147.4 Hz,[START_REF]), as pure E-or Z-stereoisomers, except for the nitrone 71b, which was obtained as a (2:1) mixture of E/Z-isomers. 116 Nitrone 71c was prepared by us in a two-step synthesis, according to the literature. 117 First, the monocyanomethylation of benzyl amine was performed, leading to N-benzyl-Ncyanomethylamine in 90% yield. The next step was the oxidation of the latter with m-CPBA, to give nitrone 71c in 75%[END_REF] J F,H = 5.2 Hz), 83.8 (m, 1F).

+ ): 19 F NMR (1 H NMR (

CDCl 3 , 300 MHz

  ): δ 3.74(d, 1H, 2 J H,H = 14.9 Hz, NCH A H B ),3.90 (d, 1H, 2 J H,H = 14.9 Hz, NCH A H B ), 4.25(d, 1H, 3 J H,H = 8.2 Hz, CHPh), 5.15(d, 1H, 3 J H,H = 3.2 Hz, CHCOOBn), 5.25 (d, 1H, 2 J H,H = 12.2 Hz, COOCH A H B Ph), 5.30 (d, 1H, 2 J H,H = 12.2 Hz, COOCH A H B Ph), 5.44 (m, 1H, CHSF 5 ), 7.2-7.4 (m, 15H, 3 x Ph). CDCl 3 , 75 MHz): δ 58.6 (s, NCH 2 Ph), 68.0 (s, COOCH 2 Ph), 74.2 (q t , 3 J C,F = 3.8 Hz, CHPh), 78.3 (q t , 3 J C,F = 5.3 Hz, CHCOOBn), 95.0 (q t , 2 J C,F = 10.1 Hz, CHSF 5 ), 127.3 (s, CH Ph), 128.1 (s, 2 x CH Ph), 128.25 (s, 2 x CH Ph), 128.31 (s, 2 x CH Ph), 128.5 (s, CH Ph), 128.60 (s, 2 x CH Ph), 128.62 (s, 2 x CH Ph), 129.0 (s, 2 x CH Ph),

13 C NMR (

1 H NMR (CDCl 3 , 300 MHz

  ): δ 2.61-2.69 (m, 1H, CH A H Bmorpholino ),3.24-3.51 (m, 5H, CH A H Bmorpholino + 2 x CH 2morpholino ),3.62 (d, 1H, 2 J H,H = 14.2 Hz, NCH A H B Ph),3.74-3.79 (dm, 1H, 2 J H,H = 12.5 Hz, CH A H Bmorpholino ), 3.89 (d, 1H, 2 J H,H = 14.2 Hz, NCH A H B Ph), 3.98 (dm, 1H, 2 J H,H = 12.5 Hz, CH A H Bmorpholino ), 4.31(d, 1H, 3 J H,H = 8.3 Hz, CHPh), 5.22(d, 1H, 3 J H,H = 3.0 Hz, CHCOmorpholino), 6.25 (m, 1H, CHSF 5 ), 7.3-7.7 (m, 10H, 2 x Ph).

	13 C NMR (CDCl 3 , 75 MHz): δ 43.4 (s, NCH 2morpholino ), 46.3 (s, NCH 2morpholino ), 58.8 (s,

CDCl 3 /CFCl 3 , 282 MHz

  calcd for C 31 H 30 F 5 N 2 O 2 S (m/z) 589.1948 [M+H] + , found 589.1946. ): δ 62.5 (dd, 4F, 2 J F,F = 146.6 Hz, 3 J F,H = 6.1 Hz), 84.9 (m, 1F).

	= 0.32 (PE/AcOEt = 94:6)
	IR (cm -1 ): 3013, 1646, 1495, 1439, 1210.

HRMS (ESI + ):

19 F NMR (1 H NMR (

CDCl 3 , 300 MHz

  ): δ 3.75(d, 1H, 2 J H,H = 14.5 Hz, NCH A H B Ph),3.99 (d, 1H, 2 J H,H = 14.5 Hz, NCH A H B Ph), 4.18(d, 2H, 2 J H,H = 15.8 Hz, CONCH 2 Ph), 4.36 (d, 1H, 3 J H,H = 8.4 Hz, CHPh), 4.84 (d, 1H, 2 J H,H = 16.0 Hz, CONCH A H B Ph), 5.22 (d, 1H,2 J H,H = 16.0 Hz, CONCH A H B ), 5.38 (d, 1H, 3 J H,H = 3.3 Hz, CHCONBn 2 ), 6.41 (m, 1H, CHSF 5 ), 7.10-7.12 (m, 2H, Ph), 7.20-7.23 (m, 2H, Ph), 7.2-7.3 (m, 5H, Ph), 7.3-7.5 (m, 6H, Ph), 7.5-7.6 (m, 3H, Ph), 7.6-7.7 (m, 2H, Ph). CDCl 3 , 75 MHz): δ 49.0 (s, CONCH 2 Ph), 49.6 (s, CONCH 2 Ph), 59.1(s, NCH 2 Ph), 74.7 (q t , 3 J C,F = 3.0 Hz, CHPh), 77.6 (q t , 3 J C,F = 5.2 Hz, CHCONBn), 94.0 (q t , 2 J C,F = 9.6 Hz, CHSF 5 ), 126.8 (s, 2 x CH Ph), 127.3 (s, CH Ph), 127.4 (s, CH Ph), 127.7 (s, CH Ph), 128.0 (s, 2 x CH Ph), 128.2 (s, 2 x CH Ph), 128.5 (s, 2 x CH Ph), 128.7 (s, 2 x CH Ph), 128.96 (s, 2 x CH Ph), 128.97 (s, 2 x CH Ph), 128.99 (s, 2 x CH Ph), 129.1 (s,

13 C NMR (

  CDCl 3 , 300 MHz): δ 1.2-1.4 (m, 3H, COOCH 2 CH 3 ), 2.7-4.4 (m, 13H, 4 x CH 2morpholino + CHCOOCH 2 CH 3 + NCH 2 Ph), 5.31 (d, 1H, 3 J H,H = 7.2 Hz, CHCON), 5.97 (m, 1H, CHSF 5 ), 7.32 (m, 5H, Ph). (s, COOCH 2 CH 3 ), 61.0 (s, NCH 2 Ph), 62.6(s, COOCH 2 CH 3 ), 67.9 (m, CHCOOCH 2 CH 3 ), 75.4 (m, CHCON), 85.3 (q t , 2 J C,F = 13.8 Hz, CHSF 5 ), 128 (s, CH Ph), 128.5 (s, 2 x CH Ph), 129.1 (s, 2 x CH Ph), 135.2 (s, C q Ph), 165.3

1 H NMR (

13 C NMR (CDCl 3 , 75 MHz): δ 13.9 (s, C=O), 166.9 (s, C=O).

19 F NMR (CDCl 3 /CFCl 3 , 282 MHz

  ): δ 60.6 (dd, 4F, 2 J F,F = 146.5 Hz,[START_REF]), as pure E-or Z-stereoisomers, except for the nitrone 71b, which was obtained as a (2:1) mixture of E/Z-isomers. 116 Nitrone 71c was prepared by us in a two-step synthesis, according to the literature. 117 First, the monocyanomethylation of benzyl amine was performed, leading to N-benzyl-Ncyanomethylamine in 90% yield. The next step was the oxidation of the latter with m-CPBA, to give nitrone 71c in 75%[END_REF] J F,H = 6.1 Hz, 4F), 82.6 (m, 1F). CDCl 3 , 300 MHz): δ 1.33 (t, 3H, 3 J H,H = 7.1 Hz, COOCH 2 CH 3 ),3.89 (d, 1H, 2 J H,H = 13.9 Hz, NCH A H B Ph), 4.06(d, 1H, 3 J H,H = 7.9 Hz, CHCOOCH 2 CH 3 ), 4.23 (dd, 1H, 2 J H,H = 14.8 Hz,[START_REF]), as pure E-or Z-stereoisomers, except for the nitrone 71b, which was obtained as a (2:1) mixture of E/Z-isomers. 116 Nitrone 71c was prepared by us in a two-step synthesis, according to the literature. 117 First, the monocyanomethylation of benzyl amine was performed, leading to N-benzyl-Ncyanomethylamine in 90% yield. The next step was the oxidation of the latter with m-CPBA, to give nitrone 71c in 75%[END_REF] J H,H = 5.8 Hz, CONHCH A H B Ph), 4.30 (q, 2H, 3 J H,H = 7.1 Hz, COOCH 2 CH 3 ), 4.38 (d, 1H, 2 J H,H = 13.9 Hz, NCH A H B Ph), 4.42 (dd, 1H, 2 J H,H = 14.8 Hz,[START_REF]), as pure E-or Z-stereoisomers, except for the nitrone 71b, which was obtained as a (2:1) mixture of E/Z-isomers. 116 Nitrone 71c was prepared by us in a two-step synthesis, according to the literature. 117 First, the monocyanomethylation of benzyl amine was performed, leading to N-benzyl-Ncyanomethylamine in 90% yield. The next step was the oxidation of the latter with m-CPBA, to give nitrone 71c in 75%[END_REF] J H,H = 5.8 Hz, CONHCH A H B Ph), 4.93(d, 1H, 3 J H,H = 3.1 Hz, CHCONHBn), 5.59 (m, 1H, CHSF 5 ), 6.39 (m, 1H, NH), 7.1-7.2 (m, 5H, Ph), 7.3-7.4 (m, 5H, Ph).

1 H NMR (

CDCl 3 /CFCl 3 , 282 MHz

  = 0.23 (PE/AcOEt = 90:10) HRMS (ESI + ): calcd for C 16 H 21 F 5 NO 5 S (m/z) 434.1061 [M+H] + , found 434.1055. ): δ 62.0 (dd, 4F, 2 J F,F = 146.5 Hz, 3 J F,H = 6.1 Hz), 83.1 (m, 1F). 3H, 3 J H,H = 7.1 Hz, COOCH 2 CH 3 ), 2.08 (s, 3H, CH 3 COO), 4.07 (d, 1H, 3 J H,H = 7.1 Hz, CHCOOCH 2 CH 3 ), 4.1-4.2 (m, 4H, COOCH 2 CH 3 + NCH 2 Ph), 4.30 (dd, 1H, 2 J H,H = 11.8 Hz, 3 J H,H = 5.6 Hz, CH A H B OAc), 4.40 (dd, 1H, 2 J H,H = 11.8 Hz, 3 J H,H = 5.6 Hz, CH A H B OAc), 4.85 (m, 1H, CHCH 2 OAc), 5.09 (m, 1H, CHSF 5 ), 7.3-7.5 (m, 5H, Ph).

	IR (cm -1 ): 3007, 2921, 2868, 1742, 1384, 1232.

19 F NMR (

1 H NMR (CDCl 3 , 300 MHz): δ 1.27 (t,

CDCl 3 /CFCl 3 , 282 MHz

  + ): calcd for C 16 H 19 F 5 N 3 O 3 S (m/z) 428.1067 [M+H] + , found 428.1060. ): δ 61.9 (dm, 4F, 2 J F,F = 147.4 Hz), 81.5 (m, 1F).

	Diastereoisomer n°1:

19 F NMR (1 H NMR (

CDCl 3 , 300 MHz

  ): δ 3.0-3.9 (m, 8H, 4 x CH 2morpholino ),3.94 (d, 1H, 2 J H,H = 13.3 Hz, NCH A H B Ph), 4.44 (d, 1H, 2 J H,H = 13.3 Hz, NCH A H B Ph), 4.3-4.5 (m, 1H, CHCN), 5.08(d, 1H, 3 J H,H = 5.2 Hz, CHCON), 6.00 (m, 1H, CHSF 5 ), 7.3-7.5 (m, 5H, Ph). (s, NCH 2morpholino ), 46.3 (s, NCH 2morpholino ), 58.4 (m, CHCN), 59.3 (s, NCH 2 Ph), 66.5 (s, 4 x OCH 2morpholino ), 77.9 (q t , 3 J C,F = 4.8 Hz, CHCON), 87.6 (m, CHSF 5 ), 113.5 (s, CN), 128.6 (s, CH Ph), 128.7 (s, 2 x CH Ph), 129.1 (s, 2 x CH Ph), 134.0 (s, C q Ph), 162.6 (s, C=O).

	Diastereoisomer n°2:

13 C NMR (CDCl 3 , 75 MHz): δ 43.4

19 F NMR (CDCl 3 /CFCl 3 , 282 MHz): δ

  66.4 (dm, 4F, 2 J F,F = 145.7 Hz), 80.9 (m, 1F).

1 H NMR (

CDCl 3 , 300 MHz): δ

  3.0-3.9 (m, 8H, 4 x CH 2morpholino ), 4.07(d, 1H, 2 J H,H = 12.9 Hz, NCH A H B Ph), 4.24 (d, 1H, 2 J H,H = 12.9 Hz, NCH A H B Ph), 4.56(d, 1H, 3 J H,H = 6.5 Hz, CHCN), 5.08(d, 1H, 3 J H,H = 5.2 Hz, CHCON), 6.18 (m, 1H, CHSF 5 ), 7.3-7.5 (m, 5H, Ph).

	13 C NMR (CDCl 3 , 75 MHz): δ 43.5 (s, NCH 2morpholino ), 46.3 (s, NCH 2morpholino ), 57.5 (m,
	CHCN), 59.3 (NCH 2 Ph), 66.3 (s, 4 x OCH 2morpholino ), 75.2 (m, CHCON), 84.4 (m, CHSF 5 ),

113.5 (s, CN), 128.6 (s, CH Ph), 128.8 (s, 2 x CH Ph), 129.1 (s, 2 x CH Ph), 133.8 (s, C q Ph),

164.3 (s, C=O)

.

Bowden, R. D.; Comina, P. J.; Greenhall, M. P.; Kariuki, B. M.; Loveday, A.; Philp, D. Tetrahedron 2000, 56, 3399.

(a) George, J. W. ; Cotton F.A. Proc. Chem. Soc. 1959, 317. (b) Cohen, B.; MacDiarmid, A. G. Chem. Ind. (London, U. K.) 1962, 1866. (c) Roberts, H.L.; Ray, N.H.J. Chem. Soc., 1960, 665.

Cohen, B.; MacDiarmid, A. G.; Inorg. Chem. 1965, 4, 1782.

Nyman, F.; Roberts, H. L. J.Chem. Soc. 1962, 3180.

(a) Schack, C. J.; Wilson, R. D.; Warner, M. G. J. Chem. Soc. D 1969, 1110. (b) Jonethal, U.; Kuschel, R.; Seppelt, K. J. FluorineChem. 1998, 88, 3.

Selected examples : (a)Makita, N.; Hoshino, Y.; Yamamoto, H. Angew. Chem., Int. Ed. Engl. 2003, 42, 941. (b) Blanc, A.; Toste, F. D. Angew. Chem., Int. Ed. Engl. 2006, 45, 2096. (c) Malkov, A. V.; Barlog, M.; Miller-Potucka; Kabeshov, L. M. A.; Farrugia, L. J.; Kocovsky, P. Chem.Eur. J. 2012, 18, 6873.

Scheme 73: CuBF 4 /(S)-TF-BiphamPhos-catalyzed 1,3-dipolar cycloadditions of 4,4,4-trifluorocrotonates with imino esters.

Falkowska, E.; Tognetti, V.; Joubert, L.; Jubault, P.; Bouillon, J.-P.; Pannecoucke, X. RSC Adv. 2015, 5, 6864.

Thirumurugan, P.; Matosiuk, D.; Jozwiak, K. Chem. Rev. 2013, 113, 4905.

(a) Mitsunobu, O. in Comprehensive Organic Synthesis; Trost, B. M.; Fleming, I. (Eds.), Pergamon Press, Oxford, 1991; p.1. (b) Mitsunobu, O. Synthesis 1981, 1. (c) Hughes, D. L. Org. React. 1992, 42, 335. (d) Swamy, K. C. K.; Kumar, N. N. B.; Balaraman, E.; Kumar, K. Chem. Rev. 2009, 109, 2551.

(a) Zhang, P.; Wei, C.; Wang, E.; Wang, W.; Liu, M.; Yin, Q.; Chen, H.; Wang, Y.L.; Zhang, J. Carbohydr. Res. 2012, 351, 7. (b) Wang, Y.; Shao, Y.; Wang, L.; Fang, X.; Yu, X.; Zhi, C.; Yang, H.; Qu, X.; Yao, H.; Xu, J. Agric. Food Chem. 2012, 60, 8435.

C NMR (CDCl 3 , 75 MHz): δ 20.5 (s, CH 3 ) 51.9 (q t , 3 J C,F = 4.4 Hz, CH(Cl)CH 2 SF 5 ), 65.5

C NMR (CDCl 3 , 75 MHz): δ

14.3 (q t , 4 J C,F = 2.2 Hz, CH 3 ), 134.0 (q t , 3 J C,F = 5.3 Hz,

C NMR (CDCl 3 , 75 MHz): δ

14.1 (s, CH 3 ), 22.7 (s, CH 2 ), 25.8 (s, CH 2 ), 28.4 (s, CH 2 ),

C NMR (CDCl 3 , 75 MHz): δ 39.9 (s, CH 2 CH=CH), 72.2 (s, CHOH), 127.0 (s, 2 x CH Ar),

F NMR (CDCl 3 /CFCl 3 , 282 MHz): δ 56.3 (dd, 4F, 2 J F,F = 142.2 Hz, 3 J F,H = 6.9 Hz), 84.5

C NMR (CDCl 3 , 75 MHz): δ 21.6 (s, CH 3 ), 48.3 (q t , 3 J C,F = 3.3 Hz, CHCHSF 5 ), 49.0

C NMR (CDCl 3 , 75 MHz): δ 18.9 (m, CH 3 ), 44.1 (s, NHCH 2 Ph), 53.3 (q t , 3 J C,F = 5.0 Hz,

C NMR (CDCl 3 , 75 MHz): δ 20.7 (s, CH 3 ), 41.1 (q t , 3 J C,F = 3.0 Hz, CHCH 2 OAc), 55.6 (s,

C NMR (CDCl 3 , 75 MHz): δ 28.4 (s, 3 x CH 3 Boc), 41.6 (m, CHCH 2 NHBoc), 44.1

Acknowledgement

First of all, I would like to thank Dr. Petr Beier (Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic), Dr. Stéphane Lebrun (Université Lille 1) and Dr. Julien Pytkowicz (Université de Cergy-Pontoise) for kindly accepting to examine my thesis.

I am very thankfull to my supervisors Pr. Jean-Philippe Bouillon and Pr. Philippe Jubault for their guidance, patience and the support that I received from them trough last three years. I am also very grateful to Pr. Xavier Pannecoucke for giving me the opportunity to carry out my thesis in the team of "Synthesis of Fluorinated Biomolecules".

I would like to thank Dr. Morgane Sanselme for X-ray analyses; Dr. Albert Marcual

Abbreviations

Scheme 52: Formation of the unreactive N-acylurea side-product 15b.

Having established optimal conditions, we tested the scope of esterification reactions. DCC/DMAP/HOBt system allowed the synthesis of esters 9c-g and 10a,b in low to moderate yields (Figure 22). 83 When the esterification was performed with primary aliphatic or allylic alcohols, the corresponding esters (9c-f) were obtained in up to 71% yield. Reaction with a secondary alcohol (menthol) was more difficult, affording the product 9g in only 27% yield.

When metacrylic acid 8b was used as a starting material, the corresponding products 10a,b

were obtained as mixtures of E/Z isomers; their separation was possible by silica gel flash column chromatography. All of the esters were isolated as oils. b E/Z isomers (ratio ~3:1) were separated by silica gel column chromatography.

Scheme 87: Attempts for the nucleophilic substitution of chloride 58 with benzylamine or morpholine.

We have further performed the nucleophilic substitution of pyrrolidine 58 with phtalimide potassium salt, which behaves as a good and non-basic nucleophile. The deprotection of the resulting phtalimide 59 should liberate the corresponding primary amine 61 (Scheme 88), which could be further incorporated into a peptide skeleton. The reaction of chloride 58 with phtalimide potassium salt turned out to be slow: after heating at 60°C for 3 days, the starting product was converted in only 40%. Neither a large excess (3 equiv) of phtalimide potassium salt, nor a longer reaction time (5 days) improved the conversion. The expected product 59 was isolated in 22% yield.

Scheme 88: Nucleophilic substitution of chloride 58 with phtalimide potassium salt.

Given the very small quantity of the phtalimide 59 available, we chose to access to the primary amine 61 by an alternative pathway. Our idea was first to synthesize the azide 60, via the nucleophilic substitution of the chloride 58 with sodium azide. We have further envisaged the Staudinger reaction 103 of azide 60, followed by the subsequent in situ Boc-protection, which should lead to the desired N-Boc-protected amine 62 (Scheme 89). We further performed several attempts for the 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of SF 5 -ester 9c

and amide 11j with CF 3 -diazomethane (Scheme 114). No conversion was observed when the reaction was performed in dichloromethane at room temperature. Heating the reaction mixture at 60°C, in toluene, afforded exclusively degradation products.

(R,E)-N-(2-Hydroxy-1-phenylethyl)-3-pentafluorosulfanylprop-2-enamide 11f

The title compound was prepared according to the procedure B.

(R,E)-N-[2-(Benzyloxy)-1-phenylethyl]-3-pentafluorosulfanylprop-2-enamide 11g

The title compound was prepared according to the procedure A. Resulting crude product was purified by silica gel column chromatography (cyclohexane/AcOEt = 85:15) to afford 11g in 59% yield as a white solid.

(2-Chloro-3-pentafluorosulfanylpropyl)dimethylphenylsilane 20c

The title compound was synthesised from allyldimethylphenylsilane 19c (0.75 g, 1.0 equiv, 4.2 mmol), SF 5 Cl (2.94 g, 7.0 equiv, 29.4 mmol) and Et 3 B (0.80 mL, 0.2 equiv, 0.8 mmol, 1 M in hexane) in hexane (7 mL), according to the typical procedure. The desired product 20c was obtained after work-up as a yellow oil (1.13 g, 79%). (2-Chloro-3-pentafluorosulfanylpropyl)tri(isopropyl)silane 20d

The title compound was synthesised from allyltri(isopropyl)silane 19d (2.7 g, 1.0 equiv, 13.6 mmol), SF 5 Cl (5.8 g, 4.3 equiv, 57.8 mmol) and Et 3 B (2.7 mL, 0.2 equiv, 2.7 mmol, 1 M in hexane) in hexane (24 mL) according to the typical procedure. The desired product 20d was obtained after work-up as a yellow oil (1.13 g, 84%).

Pentafluorosulfanylted homoallylic alcohols 22a-c and 23a-c 2.4.1. Preparation of starting bromide 24

Solution of allyl alcohol 5a (0.83 g, 1.0 equiv, 4.5 mmol) in Et 2 O (13 mL) was cooled to 0°C and PBr 3 (0.21 mL, 0.5 equiv, 2.3 mmol) was added dropwise. The reaction mixture was allowed to reach room temperature and it was stirred for 3 h. The reaction mixture was poured into ice-cold water (8 mL). The phases were separated and the organic phase was washed with 5% NaHCO 3aq. solution (5 x 4 mL), brine (4 mL) and it was dried over MgSO 4 .

The solvent was partially removed by distillation under atmospheric pressure to give desired product 24 (0.72 g, 65%) as a mixture of diastereoisomers (E/Z ~1.5:1) in solution in Et 2 O.

(E/Z)- (s, 2 x CH Ar), 134.0 (s, C q Ar), 138.1 (s, C q Ar).

(E/Z)-1-(4-Chlorophenyl)-4-pentafluorosulfanylbut-3-en-1-ol 23a

Rf = 0.20 (EP/AcOEt = 84:16)

IR (cm

(±)-N,N-Dibenzyl-2-benzyl-3-(ethoxycarbonyl)-4-pentafluorosulfanylisoxazolidinyl-5carboxamide 73b

The title compound was prepared according to the general procedure. The resulting crude product was purified by silica gel column chromatography (PE/AcOEt = 95:5) to afford product 73b as a mixture of two diastereoisomers (57:43) in 50% overall yield (conversion: 91%) (white solid). 13 C NMR (CDCl 3 , 75 MHz): δ 13.9 (s, COOCH 2 CH 3 ), 48.8 (s, CONCH 2 Ph 1 ), 49.5 (s, CONCH 2 Ph 2 ), 60.9 (s, NCH 2 Ph), 62.5 (s, COOCH 2 CH 3 ), 70.6 (q t , 3 J C,F = 3.5 Hz, CHCOOCH 2 CH 3 ), 77.2 (q t , 3 J C,F = 4.6 Hz, CHCON), 88.0 (q t , 2 J C,F = 24.0 Hz, CHSF 5 ), 126.7 (s, 2 x CH Ph), 127.5 (s, CH Ph), 127.8 (s, 2 x CH Ph), 128.1 (s, 2 x CH Ph) , 128.3 (s, 2 x CH Ph), 128.7 (s, 2 x CH Ph), 128.9 (s, 2 x CH Ph), 129.0 (s, 2 x CH Ph), 135.2 (s, C q Ph), 135.8 (s, C q Ph), 136.3 (s, C q Ph), 166.2 (s, C=O), 166.6 (s, C= O).

Rf

Selected data for diastereoisomer n°2:

19 F NMR (CDCl 3 /CFCl 3 , 282 MHz): δ 68.7 (dm, 4F, 2 J F,F = 147.4 Hz), 81.9 (m, 1F). (s, 2 x C q Ph), 136.2 (s, C q Ph), 167.0 (s, C=O), 167.4 (s, C=O).

H NMR (CDCl

(±)-N-Morpholino-2-benzyl-3-(ethoxycarbonyl)-4-pentafluorosulfanylisoxazolidin-5ylcarboxamide 73c

The title compound was prepared according to the general procedure.