Facile C-F Bond Activation Approach to FAMT-Based Difluoromethyl-BNCT Drug Candidates

Lithium 1,3-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)-1,3,2-diazaborolidinyl-2-uide activates the C-F linkage of fluoroform (CF3H) to provide air-stable difluoromethylborane compounds. Computational analysis of S(N)2-type transition state for the C-F bond activation of fluoroform with boryllithium clarifies the mechanism involving the lithium dimeric species in the pre-reaction complex. FAMT (=3-fluoro-l-alpha-methyl-tyrosine)-based difluoromethyl-BNCT (boron neutron capture therapy) drug candidates is thus produced by the present C-F bond activation.

Automated summary

A new method using lithium compounds has been discovered to activate the C-F bond of fluoroform, providing stable difluoromethylborane compounds for potential drug candidates in boron neutron capture therapy.