The present disclosure relates to processes for the fluorination of molecules. One aspect provides a process for incorporating a
fluorine atom into a molecule, said process comprising converting a compound of formula X-SG into a compound of formula X-F, wherein G is an optionally substituted C1-C6
alkyl group, an optionally substituted
aryl group, or an optionally substituted heteroaryl group, and X is an
organic group; and wherein the SG group is attached to a secondary or
tertiary carbon atom in the
organic group X; said process comprising treating said compound of formula X-SG with (i) an activator compound selected from the group consisting of N-halosuccinimides, N-halobenzenesulfonimides, N-halobenzenesulfonamides, dialkylaminodihalosulfinium salts, heterocyclylaminodihalosulfinium salts, dialkylaminosulfur trihalides, XeF2, difluoroiodotoluene, di- and tri-bromoisocyanuric acids,
bromine,
chlorine, hypervalent
iodine compounds with I2; and other sources of Br+, Cl+, F+, I+, bromonium, iodonium, or chloronium; and (ii) a source of
fluoride. Uses of the process in the preparation of various fluorinated molecules as well as uses of certain compounds as intermediates in the processes of the present disclosure are also provided.