Research progress of homogeneous catalytic reactions of hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP)

1,1,1,3,3,3-Hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP) is a solvent with unique properties. In recent years, it has received widespread attention due to its ability to stabilize ionic species, transfer protons, and participate in a range of intermolecular interactions, demonstrating excellent benefits in facilitating a variety of challenging chemical reactions. In this review, after a brief introduction to the physical and chemical properties of HFIP in hand, we present examples from the literature representing theoretical studies using HFIP as a solvent in transition metal-, Lewis/Brønsted acid-catalyzed reactions, and homogeneous catalytic reactions (with HFIP itself acting as a catalyst. These examples emphasize the multifunctional role played by HFIP. This indicates that in-depth understanding of its reaction mechanism and performance characteristics is helpful to optimize its application conditions in organic synthesis and improve the efficiency and yield of the reaction. The deep theoretical studies of HFIP in chemical reactions is expected to provide more possibilities and selectivity for the synthesis and application of new compounds.