Straightforward Transformationof Pentafluorobenzaldehyde into 4-Aryloxy-2,3,5,6-tetrafluorobenzaldehydes

A new and practical process leading to 4-aryloxy-2,3,5,6-tetrafluorobenzaldehydeshas been developed. The title skeleton is assembled in a convergentfashion from phenols and pentafluorobenzaldehyde via a nucleophilicsubstitution in the presence of inorganic fluorides. Scope and limitationstudies have been conducted, revealing that the methodology is diversitytolerant, facilitating the introduction of various aryl and heteroarylsubstituents. Altogether, 12 aldehydes were prepared in 14-93% yield.