Catalytic α-alkylation of α-fluoro-α-2-azaaryl carbonyl compounds with nonconjugated alkenes

Herein, we present a novel hydrocarbofunctionalization of nonconjugated alkenes for the synthesis of azaarenes possessing a fluorine-bearing quaternary carbon center. The reaction utilizes easily accessible α-fluoro-α-2-azaaryl carbonyl compounds and alkenes as starting materials and PdCl₂ as the catalyst without exogenous bases or additives. The simple operation, good tolerance towards azaarenes and easily scalable synthesis further highlight the potential application of this protocol.