Constructing the CF3 group; unique trifluorodecarboxylation induced by BrF3

Copolymerization of Ethylene and 3,3,3-Trifluoropropene Using (Phosphine-sulfonate)Pd(Me)(DMSO) as Catalyst

(Phosphine-sulfonate)Pd(Me)(DMSO) catalyzed copolymerization of ethylene and 3,3,3-trifluoropropene (TFP) allows the synthesis of linear copolymers with high fluorine contents of up to 15 wt % (8.9 mol % TFP). ¹³C and ¹⁹F NMR analyses of the copolymers were performed, showing that most of the incorporated TFP is located in the polymer backbone. Copolymerization of ethylene-d₄ with TFP revealed that TFP is inserted into Pd-D bonds in 1,2- as well as in 2,1-mode, although 1,2-insertion is slightly preferred. Chain transfer after TFP insertion is exclusively observed following 2,1-insertion. With higher TFP incorporation, an increase in the ratio of internal to terminal double bonds was detected in the ¹H NMR spectra. This indicates that, in the case of 2,1-insertion of TFP, chain walking is facilitated relative to direct chain release after β-H transfer to the palladium center.

Synthesis of difluoroaryldioxoles using BrF3

A novel synthesis of different aromatic and heteroaromatic difluorodioxole derivatives has been developed. The starting materials were catechols, which, after treatment with thiophosgene, formed at 0 °C the respective thiodioxoles. The latter were reacted for a short time with commercially available bromine trifluoride, producing potentially biologically important difluoroaryldioxoles in moderate to high yields.

From Azides to Nitriles. A Novel Fast Transformation Made Possible by BrF3

[reaction: see text]. Various alkyl and aryl azides, readily obtained from halides or alcohols, were transformed into the corresponding nitriles using bromine trifluoride in moderate to good yields. The reaction is general and gives positive results with aliphatic, aromatic, cyclic, and functionalized azides. It can also be applied to the synthesis of optically active nitriles.