High-throughput evaluation of in situ-generated cobalt(III) catalysts for acyl fluoride synthesis

Using a high-throughput experimental procedure, a series of cobalt(III) complexes of the general formula (CpCo)-Co-R(I)(X)(L) were prepared and screened for their activity towards the catalytic nucleophilic fluorination of benzoyl chloride. A highly active catalyst was identified, and successfully employed in a mild and effective protocol for the synthesis of a group of acyl fluoride compounds.