[(bpy)CuSCF3]: A Practical and Efficient Reagent for the Construction of C–SCF3 Bonds

Asymmetric Synthesis of SCF3-Substituted Alkylboronates by Copper-Catalyzed Hydroboration of 1-Trifluoromethylthioalkenes

A synthetic method for preparation of optically active trifluoromethylthio (SCF3) compounds by a copper-catalyzed regio- and enantioselective hydroboration of 1-trifluoromethylthioalkenes with H-Bpin has been developed. The enantioselective hydrocupration of an in situ generated CuH species and subsequent boration reaction generate a chiral SCF3-containing alkylboronate, of which Bpin moiety can be further transformed to deliver various optically active SCF3 molecules. Computational studies suggest that the SCF3 group successfully controls the regioselectivity in the reaction.

Gold (I/III)-Catalyzed Trifluoromethylthiolation and Trifluoromethylselenolation of Organohalides

The first C-SCF3 /SeCF3 cross-coupling reactions using gold redox catalysis [(MeDalphos)AuCl], AgSCF3 or Me4 NSeCF3 , and organohalides as substrates are reported. The new methodology enables a one-stop shop synthesis of aryl/alkenyl/alkynyl trifluoromethylthio- and selenoethers with a broad substrate scope (>60 examples with up to 97 % isolated yield). The method is scalable, and its robustness is evidenced by the late-stage functionalization of various bioactive molecules, which makes this reaction an attractive alternative in the synthesis of trifluoromethylthio- and selenoethers for pharmaceutical and agrochemical research and development.

Synthesis of 2,3-Bis(trifluoromethylseleno) Indoles through an Oxidative Copper-Mediated Domino Reaction

An oxidative copper-mediated double trifluoromethylselenolation of terminal 2-alkynylanilines using [(bpy)CuSeCF₃]₂ is reported, providing a moderately efficient and convenient approach to 2,3-bis(trifluoromethylseleno)indoles. Mechanistic studies show that a cascade sequence of oxidation, trifluoromethylselenolation, 5-endo-dig cyclization, and elimination is involved in this transformation.

Synthesis of Difluoromethanesulfinate Esters by the Difluoromethanesulfinylation of Alcohols

Herein, we report the first synthesis of difluoromethanesulfinate esters via the direct difluoromethanesulfinylation of alcohols with HCF₂SO₂Na/Ph₂P(O)Cl. Primary, secondary, and tertiary alcohols were converted to the corresponding difluoromethanesulfinate esters in good to excellent yields under mild conditions. The late-stage functionalization of complexed biologically active natural products was also demonstrated. The method was extended to the trifluoromethanesulfinylation of alcohols using CF₃SO₂Na in the presence of a catalytic amount of Me₃SiCl to provide trifluoromethanesulfinate esters.

Recent Advances in the Synthesis of Sulfides, Sulfoxides and Sulfones via C-S Bond Construction from Non-Halide Substrates

The construction of a C-S bond is a powerful strategy for the synthesis of sulfur containing compounds including sulfides, sulfoxides, and sulfones. Recent methodological developments have revealed lots of novel protocols for C-S bond formation, providing easy access to sulfur containing compounds. Unlike traditional Ullmann typed C-S coupling reaction, the recently developed reactions frequently use non-halide compounds, such as diazo compounds and simple arenes/alkanes instead of aryl halides as substrates. On the other hand, novel C-S coupling reaction pathways involving thiyl radicals have emerged as an important strategy to construct C-S bonds. In this review, we focus on the recent advances on the synthesis of sulfides, sulfoxides, and sulfones from non-halide substrates involving C-S bond construction.