Why •CF2H is nucleophilic but •CF3 is electrophilic in reactions with heterocycles

Radical substitution is a useful method to functionalize heterocycles, as in the venerable Minisci reaction. Empirically observed regiochemistries indicate that the CF 2 H radical has a nucleophilic character similar to alkyl radicals, but the CF 3 radical is electrophilic. While the difference between •CH 3 and •CF 3 is well understood, the reason that one and two Fs make little difference but the third has a large effect is puzzling. DFT calculations with M06-2X both reproduce experimental selectivities and also lead to an explanation of this difference. Theoretical methods reveal how the F inductive withdrawal and conjugative donation alter radical properties, but only CF 3 becomes decidedly electrophilic toward heterocycles. Here, we show a simple model to explain the radical orbital energy trends and resulting nucleophilicity or electrophilicity of fluorinated radicals.