Synthesis of 2-fluorotetralones by oxidative radical cyclization of α-fluoroacetophenones and olefins

The oxidative radical cyclization of α-fluoroacetophenones in the presence of olefins offers an efficient access to 2-fluorotetralones. Fluorinated starting materials can be prepared from α-bromoacetophenones. The reaction was optimized with respect to a future application in the synthesis of 18-fluorine labeled compounds, where reaction times are a critical aspect.