Magnesium-mediated arylation of amines via C–F bond activation of fluoroarenes

A series of new Mg(II) amides featuring a bulky β-diketiminate backstop ligand, has been synthesised. These complexes are demonstrated to be excellent sources of nucleophilic amides that can participate in rapid C–F activation of several fluoroarenes at room temperature or using microwave assistance, leading to the installment of synthetically important C–N bonds via nucleophilic substitution.