Cu-Mediated Trifluoromethylation of Aromatic α-Diazo Esters with the Yagupolskii-Umemoto Reagent

Visible Light-Driven α-Diazoketones as Denitrogenated Synthons: Synthesis of Fluorinated N-Heterocycles via Multicomponent Cyclization Reactions

We disclose herein an efficient photochemical formal [3+2+1] annulation strategy for the transformation of diazocarbonyl compounds into various fluorinated nitrogen-containing heterocycles. This transformation is characterized by reacting fluoroalkyl radicals with α-diazoketones, which are used as infrequent denitrogenated synthons under visible light. Moreover, a wide range of N-heterocycles containing precious CF₃ and perfluoroalkylated groups are constructed in moderate to good yields. Notably, this photochemical strategy may provide a fruitful path for the synthesis of complex organofluorides via diazo/fluorine/radical chemistry.

Water-promoted regio-selective trifluoromethylation of vinyl conjugated diazoacetates

An efficient trifluoromethylation reaction of vinyldiazoacetates under mild reaction conditions was depicted.

Copper-Mediated Cross-Coupling of Diazo Compounds with Sulfinates

A copper-mediated cross-coupling reaction between a diazo compound and a sodium alkane(arene)sulfinate gives a sulfone as the product. This reaction proceeds under mild conditions and features excellent functional group compatibility. A wide range of sodium alkane(arene)sulfinates were successfully applied in this chemistry. Mechanistic studies revealed that the overall reaction efficiency of the sulfinates was in line with their nucleophilicity in this reaction.

F--Free Deoxyhydrotrifluoromethylation of α-Keto Esters with Ph3P+CF2CO2-: Synthesis of α-CF3-Substituted Esters

Trifluoromethylated compounds are usually obtained via trifluoromethylation reaction by the use of CF₃SiMe₃ and NaSO₂CF₃, Umemoto's and Togni's reagents. Here, an external fluorine anion-free direct deoxyhydrotrifluoromethylation of α-keto esters with a difluoromethylating reagent has been achieved, in which the employment of water can promote the dissociation of the CF₂ group to form a CF₃ moiety, which provides the successful transformation. The current protocol demonstrates one of the most practical approaches to generate α-trifluoromethyl esters with a broad substrate scope and high functional group compatibility, in which it is applicable to late-stage modification of biologically active compounds and can be readily scaled up. Mechanistic investigation reveals that an in situ-generated gem-difluoroalkene intermediate is decomposed by water, giving rise to acid fluoride and HF.

An asymmetric hydrocyanation/Michael reaction of α-diazoacetates via Cu(i)/chiral guanidine catalysis

An asymmetric one-pot hydrocyanation/Michael reaction of α-aryl diazoacetates with trimethylsilyl cyanide, tert-butanol, and N-phenylmaleimides has been realized using a chiral guanidinium salt/CuBr catalyst.

An ab initio and DFT study of trifluoromethylation using Umemoto's reagent

Theoretical calculations revealed that trifluoromethylation using Umemoto's reagent would occur through the ionic backside mechanism.