Synthesis of fluorine-containing prenylated benzophenones

Abstract

In this study, an effective route to synthesize fluorine-containing prenylated benzophenones was developed. Friedel–Crafts acylation and electrophilic aromatic substitution reactions were the key reactions of this synthesis to achieve these fluorinated prenylated benzophenones. The use of DBU in the prenylation step achieved only the C-prenylated benzophenones, whereas K₂CO₃ produced the C- and O-prenylated benzophenones.

Graphical Abstract

Keywords:

• Benzophenone
• fluorine
• Friedel–Crafts acylation
• prenylation

Additional information

Funding

We gratefully acknowledge National Research Foundation (South Africa) and the University of KwaZulu-Natal (SA) for financial assistance.