PhSO2SCF2H: A Shelf‐Stable,Easily Scalable Reagent for Radical Difluoromethylthiolation

A new shelf‐stable and easily scalable difluoromethylthiolating reagent S‐(difluoromethyl) benzenesulfonothioate (PhSO₂SCF₂H) was developed. PhSO₂SCF₂H is a powerful reagent for radical difluoromethylthiolation of aryl and alkyl boronic acids, decarboxylative difluoromethylthiolation of aliphatic acids, and a phenylsulfonyl‐difluoromethylthio difunctionalization of alkenes under mild reaction conditions.     

Nucleophilic Fluoroalkylation of α,β‐Unsaturated Carbonyl Compounds with α‐Fluorinated Sulfones: Investigation of the Reversibility of 1,2‐Additions and the Formation of 1,4‐Adducts

A detailed investigation of the reactions of PhSO₂CF₂H and PhSO₂CH₂F with (E)‐chalcone (=(E)‐1,3‐diphenylprop‐2‐en‐1‐one) at low temperatures revealed that these two reactions were kinetically controlled, and the ratios of 1,2‐ vs. 1,4‐adducts, which did not change much over time at these temperatures, reflect the relative rates of the two reaction pathways. The controlled experiments of converting the PhSO₂CF₂‐ and PhSO₂CHF‐substituted 1,2‐adducts to 1,4‐adducts showed that these isomerizations are not favored due to the low stability and hard‐soft nature of PhSO₂CF and PhSO₂CHF^? anions. Moreover, taking advantage of the remarkable stability and softness of (PhSO₂)₂CF^? anion, an efficient thermodynamically controlled isomerization of (PhSO₂)₂CF‐substituted 1,2‐adduct to 1,4‐adduct was achieved for the first time.     

An Electrophilic Reagent for the Direct Introduction of the SCF2PO(OEt)2 Group to Molecules

An unprecedented electrophilic difluoromethylthiolating reagent (MesNHSCF₂PO(OEt)₂) was designed. Under mild and metal‐free conditions, this new reagent reacted with various nucleophiles, thus offering an efficient and operationally simple tool for the construction of C?SCF₂PO(OR)₂, N?SCF₂PO(OR)₂, and S?SCF₂PO(OR)₂ bonds. Finally, thanks to this new methodology, the synthesis of the non‐stereoidal anti‐inflammatory diflumidone was achieved.     

Nucleophilic, radical, and electrophilic (phenylsulfonyl)difluoromethylations

Selective incorporation of a fluoroalkyl moiety to modulate the properties of an organic molecule has become a frequently used strategy in life science- and materials science-related applications. In this context, selective introduction of a (phenylsulfonyl)difluoromethyl group (PhSO₂CF₂) into organic molecules has attracted much attention, since the PhSO₂CF₂ group can be regarded as a “chemical chameleon” that can be readily transformed into difluoromethyl (CF₂H), difluoromethylene (–CF₂–), and difluoromethylidene (CF₂) functionalities. This article overviews the recent development of (phenylsulfonyl)difluoromethylation reactions from 2003, including the nucleophilic (phenylsulfonyl)difluoromethylations with PhSO₂CF₂H, PhSO₂CF₂SiMe₃ and PhSO₂CF₂Br reagents, free radical (phenylsulfonyl)difluoromethylations with PhSO₂CF₂I reagent, and electrophilic (phenylsulfonyl)difluoromethylations with a hypervalent iodine(III)-CF₂SO₂Ph reagent.     

Syntheses of Trifluoromethanethiolato Platinum(II) Complexes – Crystal Structures of cis‐Pt(SCF3)2(PPh3)2 and trans‐Pt(SCF3)Cl(PPh3)2

Ligand exchange reactions of cis‐PtCl₂(PPh₃)₂ and [NMe₄]SCF₃ in different ratios were studied. Depending on the stoichiometry reactions proceeded with formation of products expected for the chosen ratio, i. e. cis‐Pt(SCF₃)Cl(PPh₃)₂, cis‐Pt(SCF₃)₂(PPh₃)₂, and [NMe₄][Pt(SCF₃)₃(PPh₃)]. Starting from cis‐PtCl₂(MeCN)₂ and [NMe₄]SCF₃ and adding PPh₃ after substitution, product mixtures were dominated by the corresponding trans‐isomers. Results of the single crystal structure analyses of cis‐Pt(SCF₃)₂(PPh₃)₂ and trans‐Pt(SCF₃)Cl(PPh₃)₂ are discussed.     

Direct Electrophilic (Benzenesulfonyl)Difluoromethylthiolation with a Shelf‐Stable Reagent

The (benzenesulfonyl)difluoromethylsulfanyl (PhSO₂CF₂S) group is a valuable substituent with specific properties which can provide access to new applications of fluoroalkylthiolated compounds. Direct introduction of this moiety can be performed by in an electrophilic manner by using a new shelf‐stable reagent, namely a (benzenesulfonyl)difluoromethanesulfenamide. Furthermore, mild magnesium‐mediated reduction of the PhSO₂CF₂S group leads to a facile synthesis of difluoromethylthiolated molecules and their deuterated analogs.     

Darstellung und Kristallstrukturen von tBu‐substituierten Disiloxanen des Typus tBu2SiX‐O‐SiYtBu2 (X = Y = OH,Br; X = OH,Y = H) und den Addukten tBu3SiOH·(HO3SCF3)0.5·H2O und tBu3SiOLi·(LiO3SCF3)2·(H2O)2

Syntheses and Crystal Structures of tBu‐substituted Disiloxanes tBu₂SiX‐O‐SiYtBu₂ (X = Y = OH, Br; X = OH, Y = H) and of the Adducts tBu₃SiOH·(HO₃SCF₃)_0.5·H₂O and tBu₃SiOLi·(LiO₃SCF₃)₂·(H₂O)₂ The disiloxanes tBu₂SiX‐O‐SiYtBu₂ (X = Y = H, OH) are accessible from the reaction of CF₃SO₂Cl with tBu₂SiHOH or tBu₂Si(OH)₂. By this reaction the disiloxane tBu₂SiH‐O‐SiHtBu₂ is formed together with tBu₂SiH‐O‐SiOHtBu₂. The disiloxanes tBu₂SiX‐O‐SiYtBu₂ (X = Y = Cl, Br) can be synthesized almost quantitatively from tBu₂SiH‐O‐SiHtBu₂ with Cl₂ and Br₂ in CH₂Cl₂. The structures of the disiloxanes tBu₂SiX‐O‐SiYtBu₂ (X = H, Y = OH; X = Y = OH, Br) show almost linear Si‐O‐Si units with short Si‐O bonds. Single crystals of the adducts tBu₃SiOH·(HO₃SCF₃)_0.5·H₂O and tBu₃SiOLi·(LiO₃SCF₃)₂·(H₂O)₂ have been obtained from the reaction of tBu₃SiOH with CF₃SO₃H and of tBu₃SiO₃SCF₃ with LiOH. According to the result of the X‐ray structural analysis (hexagonal, P‐62c), tBu₃SiOLi · (LiO₃SCF₃)₂·(H₂O)₂ features the ion pair [(tBu₃SiOLi)₂(LiO₃SCF₃)₃(H₂O)₃Li]⁺ [CF₃SO₃]^?. The central framework of the cation forms a trigonal Li₆ prism.     

Expanding the Scope of 2′‐SCF3 Modified RNA

The 2′‐trifluoromethylthio (2′‐SCF₃) modification endows ribonucleic acids with exceptional properties and has attracted considerable interest as a reporter group for NMR spectroscopic applications. However, only modified pyrimidine nucleosides have been generated so far. Here, the syntheses of 2′‐SCF₃ adenosine and guanosine phosphoramidites of which the latter was obtained in highly efficient manner by an unconventional Boc‐protecting group strategy, are reported. RNA solid‐phase synthesis provided site‐specifically 2′‐SCF₃‐modified oligoribonucleotides that were investigated intensively. Their excellent behavior in ¹⁹F NMR spectroscopic probing of RNA ligand binding was exemplified for a noncovalent small molecule–RNA interaction. Moreover, comparably to the 2′‐SCF₃ pyrimidine nucleosides, the purine counterparts were also found to cause a significant thermodynamic destabilization when located in double helical regions. This property was considered beneficial for siRNA design under the aspect to minimize off‐target effects and their performance in silencing of the BASP1 gene was demonstrated.     

Synergistic Catalysis for the Umpolung Trifluoromethylthiolation of Tertiary Ethers

The first transition‐metal‐free, site‐specific umpolung trifluoromethylthiolation of tertiary alkyl ethers has been developed, achieving the challenging tertiary C(sp³)–SCF₃ coupling under redox‐neutral conditions. The synergism of organophotocatalyst 4CzIPN and BINOL‐based phosphorothiols can site‐selectively cleave tertiary sp³ C(sp³)–O ether bonds in complex molecules initiated by a polarity‐matching hydrogen‐atom‐transfer (HAT) event. The incorporation of several competing benzylic and methine C(sp³)?H bonds in alkyl ethers has little influence on the regioselectivity. Selective difluoromethylthiolation of C?O bonds has also been achieved. This represents not only an important step forward in trifluoromethylthiolation but also a promising means for site‐selective C?O bond functionalization of unsymmetrical tertiary alkyl ethers.     

Recent Advances in the Synthesis of SCF2H‐ and SCF2FG‐Containing Molecules

In recent years, much interest has been paid to difluoromethylthiolated molecules as the “SCF₂” moiety is a key motif in drug and agrochemical research. Consequently, the development of versatile strategies for the selective synthesis of SCF₂H‐ and SCF₂FG‐containing molecules (FG=functional group) has attracted a lot of attention and inspired the scientific community to design new tools. This Minireview highlights the major progress made in this field. Particularly, methodologies developed for the difluoromethylation of sulfur‐containing molecules and the direct construction of C?SCF₂ bonds in various classes of compounds are showcased and discussed.     

Catalytic Enantioselective Cyclopropenation of Internal Alkynes: Access to Difluoromethylated Three‐Membered Carbocycles

Herein we described an efficient Rh^II‐catalyzed enantioselective cyclopropenation reaction of internal alkynes with a masked difluorodiazoethane reagent (PhSO₂CF₂CHN₂, Ps‐DFA). This asymmetric transformation offers efficient access to a broad range of enantioenriched difluoromethylated cyclopropenes (40 examples, up to 99 % yield, 97 % ee). The synthetic utility of obtained strained carbocycles is demonstrated by subsequent stereodefined processes, including cross‐couplings, hydrogenation, Diels–Alder reaction, and Pauson–Khand reaction.     

Synthesis of 2,2-diaryl-1,1-difluoroethenes via Pd-catalyzed dehydrosulfonylative cross-coupling of α-[difluoro(phenylsulfonyl)methyl]benzyl tosylates with arylboronic acids

By using PhSO₂CF₂H as the difluoromethylidene equivalent, a novel method for connecting aromatic aldehydes and arylboronic acids via consecutive reactions was developed to obtain structurally diverse 2,2-diaryl-1,1-difluoroethenes. The key step is the palladium-catalyzed dehydrosulfonylative cross-coupling of tosylates that are prepared from PhSO₂CF₂H, aromatic aldehydes and tosyl chloride. Mechanistic investigations showed that the reaction proceeds mainly through base-mediated dehydrosulfonylation followed by palladium-catalyzed C(sp²)-C(sp²) cross-coupling reaction.     

Catalytic Borylation of SCF3‐Functionalized Arenes by Rhodium(I) Boryl Complexes: Regioselective CH Activation at the ortho‐Position

An unprecedented reaction pathway for the borylation of SCF₃‐containing arenes using [Rh(Bpin)(PEt₃)₃] (pin=pinacolato) is reported. Catalytic processes were developed and the functionalizations proceed under mild reaction conditions. The C? H activations occur with a unique regioselectivity for the position ortho to the SCF₃ group, which apparently serves as directing group. Borylated SCF₃ compounds can serve as versatile building blocks.     

Catalytic Borylation of SCF3‐Functionalized Arenes by Rhodium(I) Boryl Complexes: Regioselective C?H Activation at the ortho‐Position

An unprecedented reaction pathway for the borylation of SCF₃‐containing arenes using [Rh(Bpin)(PEt₃)₃] (pin=pinacolato) is reported. Catalytic processes were developed and the functionalizations proceed under mild reaction conditions. The C H activations occur with a unique regioselectivity for the position ortho to the SCF₃ group, which apparently serves as directing group. Borylated SCF₃ compounds can serve as versatile building blocks.     

Electrophilic (phenylsulfonyl)difluoromethylation of thiols with a hypervalent iodine(III)-CF2SO2Ph reagent

A hypervalent iodine(III)-CF₂SO₂Ph compound (3) has been successfully prepared with selective nucleophilic reaction using PhSO₂CF₂SiMe₃ reagent, and this previously unkown compound 3 was found to act as a new electrophilic (phenylsulfonyl)difluoromethylation reagent for a variety of S-nucleophiles under very mild reaction conditions.     

Visible Light‐Promoted Decarboxylative Di‐ and Trifluoromethylthiolation of Alkyl Carboxylic Acids

Described herein is a new and straightforward decarboxylative di‐ and trifluoromethylthiolation of alkyl carboxylic acids promoted by visible light. This approach enables the synthesis of biologically relevant alkyl SCF₂H and SCF₃ compounds from cheap and abundant carboxylic acids. The method is operationally simple, using irradiation from household light sources, and its mild reaction conditions make it tolerant of a range of functional groups. The strategy employs electrophilic phthalimide‐derived di‐ and trifluoromethylthiolation reagents and exploits the ability of the imidyl radical to carry a radical chain.     

Triphenylphosphine‐Mediated Deoxygenative Reduction of CF3SO2Na and Its Application for Trifluoromethylthiolation of Aryl Iodides

We report herein a practical method for taming Langlois’ reagent CF₃SO₂Na to generate CuSCF₃ by a triphenylphospine‐mediated deoxygenative reduction process. This chemistry highlights a novel utilization of the inherent CF₃S skeleton of Langlois’ reagent as a CF₃S feedstock under mild conditions. The CuSCF₃ intermediate generated by this protocol can react with a wide array of supporting ligands to furnish several air‐stable [LCu(SCF₃)] complexes as valuable trifluoromethylthiolating agents. In addition, the CuSCF₃ intermediate can be directly employed for the trifluoromethylthiolation of (hetero)aryl iodides with operational simplicity and atomic efficiency.     

Visible‐Light‐Promoted Trifluoromethylthiolation of Styrenes by Dual Photoredox/Halide Catalysis

Herein, we report a new visible‐light‐promoted strategy to access radical trifluoromethylthiolation reactions by combining halide and photoredox catalysis. This approach allows for the synthesis of vinyl–SCF₃ compounds of relevance in pharmaceutical chemistry directly from alkenes under mild conditions with irradiation from household light sources. Furthermore, alkyl–SCF₃‐containing cyclic ketone and oxindole derivatives can be accessed by radical‐polar crossover semi‐pinacol and cyclization processes. Inexpensive halide salts play a crucial role in activating the trifluoromethylthiolating reagent towards photoredox catalysis and aid the formation of the SCF₃ radical.     

Free radical (phenylsulfonyl)difluoromethylation of alkynes with PhSO2CF2I reagent: stereoselective preparation of PhSO2CF2- and CF2H-substituted alkenes

Stereoselective free radical (phenylsulfonyl)difluoromethylation of terminal alkynes with iododifluoromethyl phenyl sulfone (PhSO₂CF₂I) has been accomplished by using Et₃B/air as an initiator. The obtained PhSO₂CF₂-substituted vinyl iodides, which can be further subjected to Suzuki coupling and Sonogashira coupling reactions, are useful precursors for the preparation of many structurally diverse PhSO₂CF₂- and CF₂H-substituted alkenes.     

Palladium‐Catalyzed Arylation of Arylboronic Acids with Yagupolskii–Umemoto Reagents

A Pd‐catalyzed Suzuki cross‐coupling of arylboronic acids with Yagupolskii–Umemoto reagents was explored. In contrary to trifluoromethylations, the Pd‐catalyzed reaction of R?B(OH)₂ and [Ar₂SCF₃]⁺[OTf]^? provided the arylation products (R?Ar) in good to high yields. The reaction confirms that the S?Ar bonds of [Ar₂SCF₃]⁺[OTf]^? can be readily cleaved in the presence of Pd complexes. The relatively electron‐poor aryl groups of asymmetric [Ar¹Ar²SCF₃]⁺[OTf]^? salts are more favorably transferred compared to the electron‐rich ones. This reaction represents the first report of utilization of [Ar₂SCF₃]⁺[OTf]^? as arylation reagents in organic synthesis.