Fluoroform-Derived CuCF3 for Trifluoromethylation of Terminal and TMS-Protected Alkynes

Copper-catalyzed highly switchable defluoroborylation and hydrodefluorination of 1-(trifluoromethyl)alkynes

CF2-containing compounds hold significant potential in drug discovery, organic synthesis, and materials science. However, synthesizing various CF2-containing building blocks from a single compound remains challenging. Here, we present a Cu-catalyzed, switchable defluoroborylation and hydrodefluorination of trifluoromethylated alkynes, yielding four types of CF2-containing compounds. The chemo- and regio-selective sp2/sp3 1,2-diborylation and sp2 monoborylation of 1-(trifluoromethyl)alkynes are controlled by adjusting the solvent and ligand quantity. Additionally, altering the base allows selective generation of gem-difluoroalkenes or difluoromethylalkenes. Notably, our method prevents over-defluorination of the CF3 group on unsaturated C-C bonds during nucleophilic additions, preserving the pharmaceutically valuable CF2 group. Experimental data and density functional theory (DFT) calculations elucidate the regioselectivities of Cu-Bpin addition and the regulatory role of the ligand in selective deborylation processes.

nBu4N+[AgI(CF3)2]-: Trifluoromethylated Argentate Derived from Fluoroform and Its Reaction with (Hetero)Aryl Diazonium Salts

The preparation of a well-defined trifluoromethylated argentate nBu4N+[Ag(CF3)2]- 1 from fluoroform was described. The complex was stable in the solid state and in solution under an inert atmosphere. Treatment of a variety of (hetero)aryl diazonium tetrafluoroborates with nBu4N+[Ag(CF3)2]- 1 generated trifluoromethylated (hetero)arenes in good to excellent yields. Preliminary experiments were conducted, and a reasonable mechanism of the reaction was proposed.

An Organocopper(III) Fluoride Triggering C-CF3 Bond Formation

Copper(III) fluorides are catalytically competent, yet elusive, intermediates in cross-coupling. The synthesis of [PPh4 ][CuIII (CF3 )3 F] (2), the first stable (isolable) CuIII -F, was accomplished via chloride addition to [CuIII (CF3 )3 (py)] (1) yielding [PPh4 ][CuIII (CF3 )3 Cl(py)] (1⋅Cl), followed by treatment with AgF. The CuIII halides 1⋅Cl and 2 were fully characterized using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, single crystal X-ray diffraction (Sc-XRD) and elemental analysis (EA). Complex 2 proved capable of forging C-CF3 bonds from silyl-capped alkynes. In-depth mechanistic studies combining probes, theoretical calculations, trapping of intermediate 4a ([PPh4 ][CuIII (CF3 )3 (C≡CPh)]) and radical tests unveil the key role of the CuIII acetylides that undergo facile 2e- reductive elimination furnishing the trifluoromethylated alkynes (RC≡CCF3 ), which are industrially relevant synthons in drug discovery, pharma and agrochemistry.

Photoinduced selective perfluoroalkylation of terminal alkynes via electron donor-acceptor complexes

Herein, we report a photoinduced selective perfluoroalkylation of terminal alkynes driven by the noncovalent interaction between a thymol anion and fluoroalkyl iodides. By precisely tuning the reaction solvent, a wide range of 37 structurally diverse perfluoroalkylated alkynes and alkenes, including ibuprofen, empagliflozin, galactose, isoxepac and indomethacin, were obtained in up to 92% yields. Mechanistic studies reveal the formation of EDA complexes between the thymol anion and fluoroalkyl iodides. This strategy may provide an important complement to traditional approaches to prepare useful perfluoroalkylated alkynes and alkenes.

Highly regio- and stereocontrolled preparation of α-(trifluoromethyl)-β-(phenylthio) enamines by the hydroamination of in situ-synthesized 1-(trifluoromethyl)-2-(phenylthio)ethyne

Various nitrogen nucleophiles were easily added to in situ-generated 1-(trifluoromethyl)-2-(phenylthio)ethyne to afford the corresponding trifluoromethyl enamines in good-to-high yields and with high regio- and stereocontrol under very mild conditions.

Reactions Using Freons and Halothane as Halofluoroalkyl/Halofluoroalkenyl Building Blocks

In recent years, hydrofluorocarbon compounds such as chlorofluorocarbons, hydrochlorofluorocarbons, and 2-bromo-2-chloro-1,1,1-trifluoroethane (halothane) have been used as fluorine-containing building blocks to construct functional fluorine-containing compounds, e. g., polymers, liquid crystals, and medicines. Hydrofluorocarbons promote the formation of reactive fluoroalkyl or fluoroalkenyl species via anionic or radical processes, and these species can act as nucleophiles or electrophiles depending on the reaction conditions. Progress in fluorine chemistry using hydrofluorocarbons in the last 30 years is described in this review and diverse reactions are discussed, including the fluoroalkyl/alkenyl products and proposed mechanisms involved.

Redox-Neutral Decarboxylative and Desulfonylative C(sp3) Trifluoromethylation: Method Development and Mechanistic Inquiry

Sodium triflinate (CF₃SO₂Na) is an inexpensive bench-stable radical CF₃ source that is often activated by external oxidants such as peroxides. However, despite the commercial accessibility of CF₃SO₂Na, the salt has never been applied to decarboxylative trifluoromethylation due to challenges in controlled cross-radical coupling. We report a redox-neutral approach to decarboxylative C(sp³) trifluoromethylation of carboxylic acid derivatives. Mechanistic inquiry is performed to address the limitations in scope.

Fe-Catalyzed Radical Trifluoromethyl-Alkenylation of Alkenes or Alkynes with 2-Amino-1,4-naphthoquinones

The first Fe-catalyzed three-component radical trifluoromethyl-alkenylation of alkenes with 2-amino-1,4-naphthoquinones and CF₃SO₂Na is reported. The developed reaction enables the highly regioselective preparation of a variety of valuable CF₃-substituted 1,4-naphthoquinones in acceptable yields. In the light of the catalytic system, alkynes smoothly afford the corresponding three- or four-component trifluoromethyl-alkenylation products. This protocol features use of easily available and inexpensive reagents, broad substrate scope, and simple reaction conditions.

Recent Advances in Transition-Metal Mediated Trifluoromethylation Reactions

Fluorine compounds are known for their abundance in more than 20% of pharmaceutical and agrochemical products mainly due to the enhanced lipophilicity, metabolic stability and pharmacokinetic properties of organofluorides. Consequently,...

New Avenues in Copper-Mediated Trifluoromethylation Reactions Using Fluoroform as the CF3 Source

Organic molecules containing the trifluoromethyl (CF3) group play a vital role in pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and materials. New trifluoromethylation methods should encompass capabilities to address issues in efficiency, selectivity, and CF3 source all at once. Fluoroform (CF3H), an industrial byproduct, has emerged as an attractive CF3 source. The reaction profile of the [CuCF3] reagent derived from fluo­roform has surpassed its original applications in cross-coupling-type trifluoromethylation. We have discovered a host of unique copper-mediated trifluoromethylation reactions using [CuCF3] from fluoroform, especially under oxidative conditions, to deliver efficient and selective synthesis of trifluoromethylated compounds.

1 Introduction

2 Construction of C–CF3 Bonds for the Synthesis of Trifluoromethylated Building Blocks

2.1 C(sp)–CF3 Bond Formation

2.2 C(sp2)–CF3 Bond Formation

2.3 C(sp3)–CF3 Bond Formation

3 Domino Synthesis of Trifluoromethylated Heterocycles

3.1 3-(Trifluoromethyl)indoles

3.2 3-(Trifluoromethyl)benzofurans

3.3 2-(Trifluoromethyl)indoles

4 Trifluoromethylative Difunctionalization of Arynes

4.1 Trifluoromethylation–Allylation of Arynes

4.2 1,2-Bis(trifluoromethylation) of Arynes

5 Pentafluoroethylation of Unactivated Alkenes

6 Conclusion

Copper-Catalyzed Perfluoroalkylation of Alkynyl Bromides and Terminal Alkynes

A copper-catalyzed one-pot perfluoroalkylation of alkynyl bromides and terminal alkynes has been disclosed, and the corresponding perfluoroalkylated alkynes could be attained in good to excellent yields. The new straightforward transformation shows high efficiency (0.01-0.5 mol % catalyst loading), broad substrate scope, and remarkable functional group tolerance and provides a facile approach for useful application in life and material sciences.

Synthesis of trifluoromethyl ketones by nucleophilic trifluoromethylation of esters under a fluoroform/KHMDS/triglyme system

A straightforward method that enables the formation of biologically attractive trifluoromethyl ketones from readily available methyl esters using the potent greenhouse gas fluoroform (HCF₃, HFC-23) was developed. The combination of fluoroform and KHMDS in triglyme at −40 °C was effective for this transformation, with good yields as high as 92%. Substrate scope of the trifluoromethylation procedure was explored for aromatic, aliphatic, and conjugated methyl esters. This study presents a straightforward trifluoromethylation process of various methyl esters that convert well to the corresponding trifluoromethyl ketones. The tolerance of various pharmacophores under the reaction conditions was also explored.

Perfluoroalkylation of Thiosulfonates: Synthesis of Perfluoroalkyl Sulfides

A practical synthesis of perfluoroalkyl sulfides is described. The method employs stable and readily accessible thiosulfonates as new electrophiles with commercial nucleophilic perfluoroalkylating reagents. The mild reaction conditions allow access to a wide variety of both aryl- and alkyl-substituted perfluoroalkyl sulfides amenable to pharmaceutical development. Furthermore, the reaction operation is straightforward, odorless, does not produce toxic wastes, and, therefore should appeal to practitioners in industrial-scale productions.

Silver-Mediated Perfluoroalkylation of Terminal Alkynes with Perfluoroalkyl Iodides

The incorporation of a perfluoroalkyl group (R_F) into drug candidates has become an increasingly important strategy in drug molecule design. In this study, the silver-mediated perfluoroalkylation reaction based on the addition-elimination process of terminal alkynes which was initiated by a perfluoroalkyl radical to form a C(sp)-R_F bond has been developed. The reaction proceeds under mild conditions using readily available, low-cost perfluoroalkyl iodides as the sources of the R_F group. This method allows access to a variety of perfluoroalkylated alkynes.

Towards a practical perfluoroalkylation of (hetero)arenes with perfluoroalkyl bromides using cobalt nanocatalysts

This paper report a convenient methodology for perfluoroalkylation including trifluoromethylation of (hetero)arenes with perfluoroalkyl bromides using a specific cobalt-based nanocatalyst.

Synthesis of fluoroalkylated alkynes via visible-light photocatalysis

Fluoroalkylated alkynes, which are versatile building blocks for the synthesis of various biologically active organofluorine compounds, were synthesized from easily available alkynyl halides and fluoroalkyl halides by visible-light photocatalysis.

Trifluoromethylation of α-diazoesters and α-diazoketones with fluoroform-derived CuCF3: synergistic effects of co-solvent and pyridine as a promoter

Fluoroform-derived CuCF₃ can efficiently trifluoromethylate α-diazoesters and α-diazoketones. The key is the use of co-solvent and pyridine as a promoter.

Trifluoromethylation of Electron-Rich Alkenyl Iodides with Fluoroform-Derived "Ligandless" CuCF3

We herein present a flexible approach for the incorporation of CF₃ units into a predefined site of electron-rich alkenes that exploits the regiocontrolled introduction of an iodine handle and subsequent trifluoromethylation of the C(sp²)-I bond using fluoroform-derived "ligandless" CuCF₃. The broad substrate scope and functional group tolerance together with the scalability and purity of the resulting products enabled the controlled, late-stage synthesis of single regioisomers of complex CF₃-scaffolds, such as sugars, nucleosides (antivirals), and heterocycles (indoles and chromones), with potential for academic and industrial applications.

Two-step conversion of carboxylic esters into distally fluorinated ketones via ring cleavage of cyclopropanol intermediates: application of sulfinate salts as fluoroalkylating reagents

Tertiary cyclopropanols easily available from carboxylic esters have been used in the synthesis of distally fluorinated ketones. Cyclopropane ring cleavage reactions in methanol with aqueous tert-butyl hydroperoxide in the presence of a copper(ii) acetate catalyst and sodium triflinate (Langlois reagent) afford β-trifluoromethyl ketones in 16-74% isolated yields. Sodium triflinate serves as a precursor of reactive trifluoromethyl copper species, enabling ring-opening trifluoromethylation, as evidenced by mechanistic studies. We also demonstrate here that other sulfinate salts, such as sodium 1,1-difluoroethanesulfinate, sodium 2-(4-bromophenyl)-1,1-difluoroethanesulfinate and sodium 1-(trifluoromethyl)cyclopropanesulfinate, can be used as fluoroalkylation reagents, resulting in the corresponding fluorinated ketones.

Synthesis of 2-(Trifluoromethyl)indoles via Domino Trifluoromethylation/Cyclization of 2-Alkynylanilines

A new method for the synthesis of 2-(trifluoromethyl)indoles using easily accessible 2-alkynylanilines and a well-established fluoroform-derived CuCF₃ reagent is described. This method utilizes a domino trifluoromethylation/cyclization strategy to construct the indole cores with no ambiguity of the CF₃ position. The intriguing 3-formyl-2-(trifluoromethyl)indoles can also be synthesized by this protocol, which are useful intermediates for the preparation of trifluoromethylated drug analogues. The ultimate CF₃ source is the inexpensive industrial byproduct fluoroform.

Domino cyclization/trifluoromethylation of 2-alkynylanilines using fluoroform-derived CuCF3: synthesis of 3-(trifluoromethyl)indoles

A domino cyclization/trifluoromethylation strategy for the construction of indole cores with concomitant installation of a CF₃ group is described.

Diverse copper(iii) trifluoromethyl complexes with mono-, bi- and tridentate ligands and their versatile reactivity

Novel square planar (L)Cu^III(CF₃)₃ (L = pyridine, 2,4,6-trimethylpyridine) complexes, which are fluxional in solution and versatile to enable various transformations, are isolated and characterized for the first time.

Copper-Mediated Domino Cyclization/Trifluoromethylation/Deprotection with TMSCF3: Synthesis of 4-(Trifluoromethyl)pyrazoles

A copper-mediated synthesis of 4-(trifluoromethyl)pyrazoles is described. In one step from readily accessible α,β-alkynic tosylhydrazones, a remarkable domino sequence of cyclization, trifluoromethylation, and detosylation takes place to furnish the 4-CF₃ N-H pyrazole cores with good functional group compatibility. The reaction conditions are mild and convenient, at room temperature in air, using the commercially available trifluoromethyltrimethylsilane (TMSCF₃) as the CF₃ source. The method can be applied to the synthesis of a 4-CF₃ analogue of the anti-inflammatory drug celecoxib.

Copper-catalyzed 8-amido chelation-induced regioselective C–H fluoroalkylation of quinolines

An effective and regioselective approach for C–H fluoroalkylation of 8-aminoquinoline amides with R_fSO₂Na is demonstrated herein.