Hydrolysis of Difluorocyclopropenes: the Role of the Cyclopropenyl Cation and the Effects of Substituents

Monosubstituted gem-difluorocyclopropenes undergo hydrolysis yielding cyclopropenones and acrylic acid derivatives. Herein, we investigate the reaction routes of hydrolysis for both aromatic and alkyl derivatives. The study supports the idea that the formation of a cyclopropenyl cation controls the reactivity of gem-difluorocyclopropenes, and aromatic substituents accelerate the hydrolysis via the resonance stabilization. Reaction conditions, including the solvent composition and temperature, significantly affect the conversion and the product selectivity. This information facilitates the preparative synthesis and improves understanding of the fluorinated cyclopropene reactivity.