Synthesis of α-Cyano-β-fluoro-α-hydroxyesters

Abstract
The ring opening fluorination of glycidic gem-cyanoesters was achieved by action of pyridine polyhydrofluoride at 25°C in dichloromethane. The regioselective nucleophilic substitution reaction allows the synthesis of a new class of fluorohydrins with OH, CN and CO2R on the same carbon atom.