Fluorinated Alcohols as Solvents, Cosolvents and Additives in Homogeneous Catalysis

Abstract The use of fluorinated alcohols as solvents, cosolvents or additives in homogeneous catalysis is reviewed. The effect of these particular compounds on efficiency, regioselectivity and stereoselectivity of metal-catalyzed reactions, as well as on reactions mediated by organocatalysts, is described. Where available in several cases, the effect of fluorous alcohols on the catalytic mechanism is analyzed in detail and rationalized by their unique physical and chemical properties. In most instances, a comparison to the effect of commonly employed solvents is elaborated. 1 Introduction 2 Physical Properties of Fluorinated Alcohols 3 Applications in Homogeneous Catalysis 3.1 Reduction Reactions 3.2 Oxidation Reactions 3.3 Carbon-Carbon Bond-Forming Reactions 3.4 Cycloaddition Reactions 3.5 Metathesis Reactions 3.6 Carbon-Heteroatom Bond-Forming Reactions 3.7 Isomerization Reactions 4 Conclusion