Copper-catalyzed oxidative trifluoromethylation of terminal alkenes using nucleophilic CF3SiMe3: efficient C(sp3)-CF3 bond formation

An efficient C(sp(3))-CF(3) bond-forming reaction via Cu-catalyzed oxidative trifluoromethylation of terminal alkenes has been developed, which proceeds under mild conditions using readily available, less expensive CF(3)SiMe(3) as the source of the CF(3) group. This method allows access to a variety of trifluoromethylated allylic compounds.     

Copper-catalyzed trifluoromethylation of aryl iodides with potassium (trifluoromethyl)trimethoxyborate

Potassium (trifluoromethyl)trimethoxyborate is introduced as a new source of CF(3) nucleophiles in copper-catalyzed trifluoromethylation reactions. The crystalline salt is stable on storage, easy to handle, and can be obtained in near-quantitative yields simply by mixing B(OMe)(3), CF(3)SiMe(3), and KF. The trifluoromethylation reagent allows the conversion of various aryl iodides into the corresponding benzotrifluorides in high yields under mild, base-free conditions in the presence of catalytic quantities of a Cu(I)/1,10-phenanthroline complex.     

Cu(II) catalyzed imine C-H functionalization leading to synthesis of 2,5-substituted 1,3,4-oxadiazoles

A direct access to symmetrical and unsymmetrical 2,5-disubstituted [1,3,4]-oxadiazoles has been accomplished through an imine C-H functionalization of N-arylidenearoylhydrazide using a catalytic quantity of Cu(OTf)(2). This is the first example of amidic oxygen functioning as a nucleophile in a Cu-catalyzed oxidative coupling of an imine C-H bond. These reactions can be performed in air atmosphere and moisture making it exceptionally practical for application in organic synthesis.     

Nucleophilic trifluoromethylation of carbonyl compounds and disulfides with trifluoromethane and silicon-containing bases

Provided that DMF (or another N,N-dialkylformamide) is present in the reaction medium, at least in a catalytic amount, fluoroform trifluoromethylates efficiently carbonyl compounds, even enolizable ones, when opposed to (TMS)(2)N(-) M(+), generated in situ from N(TMS)(3) and M(+) F(-) or RO(-) Na(+). When F(-) is used in a catalytic amount, silylated alpha-(trifluoromethyl)carbinols are obtained: in this case, the four-component system HCF(3)/N(TMS)(3)/catalytic F(-)/catalytic DMF behaves like the Ruppert's reagent, especially as far as nonenolizable carbonyl compounds are concerned (CF(3)SiMe(3) remains more efficient for enolizable carbonyl compounds). This process involves an adduct between DMF and (-)CF(3) which is the true trifluoromethylating agent. In the same way, fluoroform efficiently trifluoromethylates disulfides and diselenides when deprotonated with a strong base selected from t-BuOK or N(SiMe(3))(3)/Me(4)NF (or TBAT). t-BuOK is more adapted to the trifluoromethylation of aryl disulfides whereas N(SiMe(3))(3)/F(-) is well suited to that of aliphatic disulfides.     

The palladium-catalyzed trifluoromethylation of vinyl sulfonates

A method for the palladium-catalyzed trifluoromethylation of cyclohexenyl sulfonates has been developed. Various cyclohexenyl triflates and nonaflates underwent trifluoromethylation under mild reaction conditions using a catalyst system composed of Pd(dba)(2) or [(allyl)PdCl](2) and the monodentate biaryl phosphine ligand (t)BuXPhos. The trifluoromethyl anion (CF(3)(-)) or its equivalent for the process was generated in situ from TMSCF(3) in combination with KF or TESCF(3) in combination with RbF.     

Continuous-Flow Photocatalysis for the Direct C-H Trifluoromethylation of Heterocycles with an Organic Photoredox Catalyst

Photocatalysis for direct C−H trifluoromethylation represents an ideal way to synthesize trifluoromethyl-containing chemical compounds, but the conventional batch processes are inefficient with limited light penetration and indispensably irradiated for a long while. Herein, we report a continuous-flow protocol for photocatalytic direct C−H trifluoromethylation of heterocycles in the presence of an organic photoredox catalyst: 2,4,6-tris(diphenylamino)-3,5-difluorobenzonitrile (3DPA2FBN). In this approach, benefiting from the merger of organic photoredox catalysis and continuous-flow techniques, a variety of trifluoromethylated heterocycles were rapidly synthesized up to 85 % yield with 80 min residence time under metal- and oxidant-free reaction conditions.     

Nucleophilic trifluoromethylation of cyclic imides using (trifluoromethyl)trimethylsilane CF3SiMe3

A variety of cyclic five-membered imides was trifluoromethylated in good to excellent chemical yields using (trifluoromethyl)trimethylsilane CF3SiMe3 under fluoride ion catalysis. The method was successfully applied to the stereoselective synthesis of trifluoromethylated bi- and tricyclic lactams which could serve as precursors for designed thrombin inhibitors.     

Copper-catalyzed oxidative trifluoromethylation of terminal alkynes and aryl boronic acids using (trifluoromethyl)trimethylsilane

Trifluoromethylated acetylenes and arenes are widely applicable in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. In 2010, our group has reported the copper-mediated oxidative trifluomethylation of terminal alkynes and aryl boronic acids. This method allows a wide range of functional group tolerant trifluoromethylated acetylenes and arenes to be easily prepared. After the preliminary mechanistic studies of the oxidative trifluoromethylation of terminal alkyne, an efficient copper-catalyzed oxidative trifluoromethylation of terminal alkynes and aryl boronic acids has been developed. The catalytic protocol is successfully achieved by adding both the substrate and a portion of CF(3)TMS slowly using a syringe pump to the reaction mixture.     

Trifluoromethanesulfonic Anhydride as a Low‐Cost and Versatile Trifluoromethylation Reagent

A large number of reagents have been developed for the synthesis of trifluoromethylated compounds. However, an ongoing challenge in trifluoromethylation reaction is the use of less expensive and practical trifluoromethyl sources. We report herein the unprecedented direct trifluoromethylation of (hetero)arenes using trifluoromethanesulfonic anhydride as a radical trifluoromethylation reagent by merging photoredox catalysis and pyridine activation. Furthermore, introduction of both the CF₃ and OTf groups of the trifluoromethanesulfonic anhydride into internal alkynes to access tetrasubstituted trifluoromethylated alkenes was achieved. Since trifluoromethanesulfonic anhydride is a low‐cost and abundant chemical, this method provides a cost‐efficient and practical route to trifluoromethylated compounds.     

Copper‐Catalyzed Trifluoromethylation of Internal Olefinic CH Bonds: Efficient Routes to Trifluoromethylated Tetrasubstituted Olefins and N‐Heterocycles

The functionalization of internal olefins has been a challenging task in organic synthesis. Efficient Cu^II‐catalyzed trifluoromethylation of internal olefins, that is, α‐oxoketene dithioacetals, has been achieved by using Cu(OH)₂ as a catalyst and TMSCF₃ as a trifluoromethylating reagent. The push–pull effect from the polarized olefin substrates facilitates the internal olefinic C?H trifluoromethylation. Cyclic and acyclic dithioalkyl α‐oxoketene acetals were used as the substrates and various substituents were tolerated. The internal olefinic C?H bond cleavage was not involved in the rate‐determining step, and a mechanism that involves radicals is proposed based on a TEMPO‐quenching experiment of the trifluoromethylation reaction. Further derivatization of the resultant CF₃ olefins led to multifunctionalized tetrasubstituted CF₃ olefins and trifluoromethylated N‐heterocycles.     

Nickel-Mediated Trifluoromethylation of Phenol Derivatives by Aryl C−O Bond Activation

The increasing pharmaceutical importance of trifluoromethylarenes has stimulated the development of more efficient trifluoromethylation reactions. Tremendous efforts have focused on copper- and palladium-mediated/catalyzed trifluoromethylation of aryl halides. In contrast, no general method exists for the conversion of widely available inert electrophiles, such as phenol derivatives, into the corresponding trifluoromethylated arenes. Reported herein is a practical nickel-mediated trifluoromethylation of phenol derivatives with readily available trimethyl(trifluoromethyl)silane (TMSCF₃). The strategy relies on PMe₃-promoted oxidative addition and transmetalation, and CCl₃CN-induced reductive elimination. The broad utility of this transformation has been demonstrated through the direct incorporation of trifluoromethyl into aromatic and heteroaromatic systems, including biorelevant compounds.     

Nickel‐Mediated Trifluoromethylation of Phenol Derivatives by Aryl C−O Bond Activation

The increasing pharmaceutical importance of trifluoromethylarenes has stimulated the development of more efficient trifluoromethylation reactions. Tremendous efforts have focused on copper‐ and palladium‐mediated/catalyzed trifluoromethylation of aryl halides. In contrast, no general method exists for the conversion of widely available inert electrophiles, such as phenol derivatives, into the corresponding trifluoromethylated arenes. Reported herein is a practical nickel‐mediated trifluoromethylation of phenol derivatives with readily available trimethyl(trifluoromethyl)silane (TMSCF₃). The strategy relies on PMe₃‐promoted oxidative addition and transmetalation, and CCl₃CN‐induced reductive elimination. The broad utility of this transformation has been demonstrated through the direct incorporation of trifluoromethyl into aromatic and heteroaromatic systems, including biorelevant compounds.     

Metal-Free Oxidative Trifluoromethylthiolation of Terminal Alkynes with CF(3)SiMe(3) and Elemental Sulfur

A metal-free oxidative trifluoromethyl-thiolation of terminal alkynes using readily available CF(3)SiMe(3) and elemental sulfur at room temperature has been developed. This reaction provides an efficient and convenient method for the preparation of alkynyl trifluoromethyl sulfides bearing a wide range of functional groups. Preliminary investigation revealed that elemental sulfur instead of air acted as the oxidant.     

Accessing Difluoromethylated and Trifluoromethylated cis‐Cycloalkanes and Saturated Heterocycles: Preferential Hydrogen Addition to the Substitution Sites for Dearomatization

Reported here is a straightforward process in which a cyclic (alkyl)(amino)carbene/Rh catalyst system facilitates the preferential addition of hydrogen to the substitution sites of difluoromethylated and trifluoromethylated arenes and heteroarenes, leading to dearomative reduction. This strategy enables the diastereoselective synthesis of cis‐difluoromethylated and cis‐trifluoromethylated cycloalkanes and saturated heterocycles, and even allows formation of all‐cis multi‐trifluoromethylated cyclic products with a defined equatorial orientation of the di‐ and trifluoromethyl groups. Deuterium‐labeling studies indicate that hydrogen preferentially attacks the substitution sites of planar arenes, resulting in dearomatization, possibly with heterogeneous Rh as the reactive species, followed by either reversible or irreversible hydrogen addition to the nonsubstitution sites.     

Synthesis of trifluoromethylated azines via nucleophilic oxidative substitution of hydrogen by trifluoromethyl carbanions

A novel, three-step method of trifluoromethylation of azines via oxidative nucleophilic substitution of hydrogen in the heteroaromatic ring by a CF3- carbanion is presented. The key reaction of this process is the addition of the CF3- carbanion, generated by treatment of Me3SiCF3 with KF(s) and Ph3SnF catalyst, to N-alkylazinium salts. The resulting dihydroazines containing a trifluoromethyl group are relatively stable compounds and can be isolated in a pure form. Deprotection of the N-p-methoxybenzyl substituent and aromatization of the heterocyclic ring upon treatment with CAN provides azines with a CF3 group in the ring position originally occupied by hydrogen. The whole process can be thus considered as a nucleophilic oxidative displacement of hydrogen by a CF3- carbanion.     

X-ray crystallographic proof of the isomer D2-C84(5) as trifluoromethylated and chlorinated derivatives, C84(CF3)16, C84Cl20, and C84Cl32

Minor isomer comes forward: Minor isomer C(84)(5) has been captured by high temperature trifluoromethylation with CF(3)I and chlorination with VCl(4). The compounds C(84)(CF(3))(16), C(84)Cl(20), and C(84)(5)Cl(32) were investigated by X-ray crystallography providing the first direct proof of the cage connectivity of D(2)-C(84)(5). The D(2)-C(84)(5)Cl(32) molecule (see figure; C grey, Cl green) contains two flattened, pyrene-like substructures on opposite poles of the cage resulting in its drum-like shape.     

Heterogeneously catalyzed selective aerobic oxidative cross-coupling of terminal alkynes and amides with simple copper(II) hydroxide

Simple copper(II) hydroxide Cu(OH)(2) could act as an efficient heterogeneous catalyst for selective oxidative cross-coupling of a broad range of terminal alkynes and amides using air as a sole oxidant, giving the corresponding ynamides in moderate to high yields (56-93% yields).     

Room temperature asymmetric allylic trifluoromethylation of Morita-Baylis-Hillman carbonates

(DHQD)(2)PHAL-catalyzed asymmetric allylic trifluoromethylation of Morita-Baylis-Hillman adducts using a Rupert-Prakash reagent is reported. This transformation provided the S(N)2' trifluoromethylated products with good yields and excellent enantioselectivities at room temperature. It was also found that the reaction could be accelerated using acetonitrile as cosolvent.     

Copper‐Catalyzed Remote C(sp3)−H Trifluoromethylation of Carboxamides and Sulfonamides

Reported herein is an unprecedented protocol for trifluoromethylation of unactivated aliphatic C(sp³)?H bonds. With Cu(OTf)₂ as the catalyst, the reaction of N‐fluoro‐substituted carboxamides (or sulfonamides) with Zn(CF₃)₂ complexes provides the corresponding δ‐trifluoromethylated carboxamides (or sulfonamides) in satisfactory yields under mild reaction conditions. A radical mechanism involving 1,5‐hydrogen atom transfer of N‐radicals followed by CF₃‐transfer from Cu^II?CF₃ complexes to the thus formed alkyl radicals is proposed.     

Scope and mechanism of the intermolecular addition of aromatic aldehydes to olefins catalyzed by Rh(I) olefin complexes

Rhodium (I) bis-olefin complexes Cp*Rh(VTMS)(2) and CpRh(VTMS)(2) (Cp* = C(5)Me(5), Cp = C(5)Me(4)CF(3), VTMS = vinyl trimethylsilane) were found to catalyze the addition of aromatic aldehydes to olefins to form ketones. Use of the more electron-deficient catalyst CpRh(VTMS)(2) results in faster reaction rates, better selectivity for linear ketone products from alpha-olefins, and broader reaction scope. NMR studies of the hydroacylation of vinyltrimethylsilane showed that the starting Rh(I) bis-olefin complexes and the corresponding Cp*/Rh(CH(2)CH(2)SiMe(3))(CO)(Ar) complexes were catalyst resting states, with an equilibrium established between them prior to turnover. Mechanistic studies suggested that CpRh(VTMS)(2) displayed a faster turnover frequency (relative to Cp*Rh(VTMS)(2)) because of an increase in the rate of reductive elimination, the turnover-limiting step, from the more electron-deficient metal center of CpRh(VTMS)(2). Reaction of Cp*/Rh(CH(2)CH(2)SiMe(3))(CO)(Ar) with PMe(3) yields acyl complexes Cp*/Rh[C(O)CH(2)CH(2)SiMe(3)](PMe(3))(Ar); measured first-order rates of reductive elimination of ketone from these Rh(III) complexes established that the Cp ligand accelerates this process relative to the Cp* ligand.