Recent advance in transition-metal-mediated trifluoromethylation for the construction of C(sp)–CF3 bonds

In the past 5 years, transition-metal-mediated trifluoromethylation for the construction of various CF₃-containing building blocks has been the focus of recent research in both industrial and academic communities. Progresses in the construction of C(sp²)–CF₃ bonds and C(sp)–CF₃ have been well reviewed. This Letter will focus on the cases of transition-metal-mediated C(sp³)–CF₃ bond formation, which involves the trifluoromethylation of sp³-hybridized C–X bonds, alkyl organometallic reagents, sp³-hybridized C–H bonds, and alkene derivatives.     

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.     

Benzylic C(sp3)?H Perfluoroalkylation of Six‐Membered Heteroaromatic Compounds

Successful benzylic C(sp³) H trifluoromethylation, pentafluoroethylation, and heptafluoropropylation of six‐membered heteroaromatic compounds were achieved as the first examples of a practical benzylic C(sp³) H perfluoroalkylation. In these reactions, BF₂C_nF_2n+1 (n=1–3) functioned as both a Lewis acid to activate the benzylic position and a C_nF_2n+1 (n=1–3) source. The perfluoroalkylation proceeded at both terminal and internal positions of the alkyl chains. Perfluoroalkylated products were obtained in moderate to excellent yields, even on gram scale, and in a sequential procedure without isolation of the intermediates. By using this method, trifluoromethylation of a bioactive compound, as well as introduction of a CF₃ group into a bioactive molecular skeleton, proceeded regioselectively.     

Benzylic C(sp3)H Perfluoroalkylation of Six‐Membered Heteroaromatic Compounds

Successful benzylic C(sp³)? H trifluoromethylation, pentafluoroethylation, and heptafluoropropylation of six‐membered heteroaromatic compounds were achieved as the first examples of a practical benzylic C(sp³)? H perfluoroalkylation. In these reactions, BF₂C_nF_2n+1 (n=1–3) functioned as both a Lewis acid to activate the benzylic position and a C_nF_2n+1 (n=1–3) source. The perfluoroalkylation proceeded at both terminal and internal positions of the alkyl chains. Perfluoroalkylated products were obtained in moderate to excellent yields, even on gram scale, and in a sequential procedure without isolation of the intermediates. By using this method, trifluoromethylation of a bioactive compound, as well as introduction of a CF₃ group into a bioactive molecular skeleton, proceeded regioselectively.     

Trifluoromethylation of Carbonyl and Unactivated Olefin Derivatives by C(sp3)−C Bond Cleavage

Herein, we report a Cu-mediated trifluoromethylation of carbonyl-type compounds and unactivated olefins enabled by visible-light irradiation via σ C(sp³)−C bond-functionalization. The reaction is distinguished by its modularity, mild conditions and wide scope—even in the context of late-stage functionalization—thus offering a complementary approach en route to valuable C(sp³)−CF₃ architectures from easily accessible precursors.     

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.     

Electrophilic Iron Catalyst Paired with a Lithium Cation Enables Selective Functionalization of Non‐Activated Aliphatic C−H Bonds via Metallocarbene Intermediates

Combining an electrophilic iron complex [Fe(^Fpda)(THF)]₂ ( 3 ) [^Fpda=N,N′‐bis(pentafluorophenyl)‐o‐phenylenediamide] with the pre‐activation of α‐alkyl‐substituted α‐diazoesters reagents by LiAl(OR^F)₄ [OR^F=(OC(CF₃)₃] provides unprecedented access to selective iron‐catalyzed intramolecular functionalization of strong alkyl C(sp³)?H bonds. Reactions occur at 25 °C via α‐alkyl‐metallocarbene intermediates, and with activity/selectivity levels similar to those of rhodium carboxylate catalysts. Mechanistic investigations reveal a crucial role of the lithium cation in the rate‐determining formation of the electrophilic iron‐carbene intermediate, which then proceeds by concerted insertion into the C?H bond.     

A Key Intermediate in Copper‐Mediated Arene Trifluoromethylation, [nBu4N][Cu(Ar)(CF3)3]: Synthesis,Characterization, and C(sp2)−CF3 Reductive Elimination

The synthesis, characterization, and C(sp²)?CF₃ reductive elimination of stable aryl[tris(trifluoromethyl)]cuprate(III) complexes [nBu₄N][Cu(Ar)(CF₃)₃] are described. Mechanistic investigations, including kinetic studies, studies of the effect of temperature, solvent, and the para substituent of the aryl group, as well as DFT calculations, suggest that the C(sp²)?CF₃ reductive elimination proceeds through a concerted carbon–carbon bond‐forming pathway.     

A Key Intermediate in Copper‐Mediated Arene Trifluoromethylation, [nBu4N][Cu(Ar)(CF3)3]: Synthesis,Characterization, and C(sp2)−CF3 Reductive Elimination

The synthesis, characterization, and C(sp²)?CF₃ reductive elimination of stable aryl[tris(trifluoromethyl)]cuprate(III) complexes [nBu₄N][Cu(Ar)(CF₃)₃] are described. Mechanistic investigations, including kinetic studies, studies of the effect of temperature, solvent, and the para substituent of the aryl group, as well as DFT calculations, suggest that the C(sp²)?CF₃ reductive elimination proceeds through a concerted carbon–carbon bond‐forming pathway.     

Oxydifluoromethylation of Alkenes by Photoredox Catalysis: Simple Synthesis of CF2H‐Containing Alcohols

We have developed a novel and simple protocol for the direct incorporation of a difluoromethyl (CF₂H) group into alkenes by visible‐light‐driven photoredox catalysis. The use of fac‐[Ir(ppy)₃] (ppy=2‐pyridylphenyl) photocatalyst and shelf‐stable Hu's reagent, N‐tosyl‐S‐difluoromethyl‐S‐phenylsulfoximine, as a CF₂H source is the key to success. The well‐designed photoredox system achieves synthesis of not only β‐CF₂H‐substituted alcohols but also ethers and an ester from alkenes through solvolytic processes. The present method allows a single‐step and regioselective formation of C(sp³)–CF₂H and C(sp³)?O bonds from C=C moiety in alkenes, such as hydroxydifluoromethylation, regardless of terminal or internal alkenes. Moreover, this methodology tolerates a variety of functional groups.     

Recent Developments in the Trifluoromethylation of Alkynes

In the last few years, the development of versatile methodologies to incorporate trifluoromethyl groups into organic molecules has attracted significant attention in synthetic chemistry. This review gives an overview over the development on the trifluoromethylation of alkynes, which have not been solely discussed before. Formation of diverse C(sp, sp², sp³)?CF₃ bonds are all covered in this review.     

Disproportionation reactions between alkyl and fluoroalkyl radicals. VII. Difluoromethyl with perfluoro-n-propyl and methyl radicals

Mixtures of 1,1,3,3-tetrafluoroacetone and perfluorodi-n-propyl ketone have been photolyzed together over the temperature range 50° to 200°C, and the disproportionation/combination ratio for n-C₃F₇ and CF₂H radicals has been determined to be Δ(n-C₃F₇, CF₂H) = 0.072 ± 0.003. A reevaluation of existing data on CH₃ and CF₂H radicals leads to a value of Δ(CH₃, CF₂H) = 0.35. The large variations in Δ for the reactions of alkyl and perfluoroalkyl radicals with CF₂H radicals are discussed. © John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Copper‐Catalyzed Carbotrifluoromethylation of Unactivated Alkenes Driven by Trifluoromethylation of Alkyl Radicals

We report herein an unprecedented protocol for radical carbotrifluoromethylation of unactivated alkenes. With Cu(OTf)₂ as the catalyst, the reaction of unactivated alkenes, TMSCF₃ and activated alkyl chlorides at room temperature provides the corresponding carbotrifluoromethylation products in satisfactory yields. Directed by trifluoromethylation of alkyl radicals, the method exhibits an excellent regioselectivity that is opposite to those driven by CF₃ radical addition.     

A Redox‐Active Nickel Complex that Acts as an Electron Mediator in Photochemical Giese Reactions

We report a simple protocol for the photochemical Giese addition of C(sp³)‐centered radicals to a variety of electron‐poor olefins. The chemistry does not require external photoredox catalysts. Instead, it harnesses the excited‐state reactivity of 4‐alkyl‐1,4‐dihydropyridines (4‐alkyl‐DHPs) to generate alkyl radicals. Crucial for reactivity is the use of a catalytic amount of Ni(bpy)₃²⁺ (bpy=2,2′‐bipyridyl), which acts as an electron mediator to facilitate the redox processes involving fleeting and highly reactive intermediates.     

Kinetics for the gas‐phase reactions of OH radicals with the hydrofluoroethers CH2FCF2OCHF2, CHF2CF2OCH2CF3, CF3CHFCF2OCH2CF3, and CF3CHFCF2OCH2CF2CHF2 at 268–308 K

Rate constants were determined for the reactions of OH radicals with the hydrofluoroethers (HFEs) CH₂FCF₂OCHF₂(k₁), CHF₂CF₂OCH₂CF₃ (k₂), CF₃CHFCF₂OCH₂CF₃(k₃), and CF₃CHFCF₂OCH₂CF₂CHF₂(k₄) by using a relative rate method. OH radicals were prepared by photolysis of ozone at UV wavelengths (>260 nm) in 100 Torr of a HFE–reference–H₂O–O₃–O₂–He gas mixture in a 1‐m³ temperature‐controlled chamber. By using CH₄, CH₃CCl₃, CHF₂Cl, and CF₃CF₂CF₂OCH₃ as the reference compounds, reaction rate constants of OH radicals of k₁ = (1.68) × 10^?12 exp[(?1710 ± 140)/T], k₂ = (1.36) × 10^?12 exp[(?1470 ± 90)/T], k₃ = (1.67) × 10^?12 exp[(?1560 ± 140)/T], and k₄ = (2.39) × 10^?12 exp[(?1560 ± 110)/T] cm³ molecule^?1 s^?1 were obtained at 268–308 K. The errors reported are ± 2 SD, and represent precision only. We estimate that the potential systematic errors associated with uncertainties in the reference rate constants add a further 10% uncertainty to the values of k₁–k₄. The results are discussed in relation to the predictions of Atkinson's structure–activity relationship model. The dominant tropospheric loss process for the HFEs studied here is considered to be by the reaction with the OH radicals, with atmospheric lifetimes of 11.5, 5.9, 6.7, and 4.7 years calculated for CH₂FCF₂OCHF₂, CHF₂CF₂OCH₂CF₃, CF₃CHFCF₂OCH₂CF₃, and CF₃CHFCF₂OCH₂CF₂CHF₂, respectively, by scaling from the lifetime of CH₃CCl₃. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 35: 239–245, 2003     

Trifluoromethylation of [AuF3(SIMes)]: Preparation and Characterization of [Au(CF3)xF3−x(SIMes)] (x=1–3) Complexes

Trifluoromethylation of [AuF₃(SIMes)] with the Ruppert–Prakash reagent TMSCF₃ in the presence of CsF yields the product series [Au(CF₃)_xF_3−x(SIMes)] (x=1–3). The degree of trifluoromethylation is solvent dependent and the ratio of the species can be controlled by varying the stoichiometry of the reaction, as evidenced from the ¹⁹F NMR spectra of the corresponding reaction mixtures. The molecular structures in the solid state of trans-[Au(CF₃)F₂(SIMes)] and [Au(CF₃)₃(SIMes)] are presented, together with a selective route for the synthesis of the latter complex. Correlation of the calculated SIMes affinity with the carbene carbon chemical shift in the ¹³C NMR spectrum reveals that trans-[Au(CF₃)F₂(SIMes)] and [Au(CF₃)₃(SIMes)] nicely follow the trend in Lewis acidities of related organo gold(III) complexes. Furthermore, a new correlation between the Au−C_carbene bond length of the molecular structure in the solid state and the chemical shift of the carbene carbon in the ¹³C NMR spectrum is presented.     

UV absorption spectrum,and kinetics and mechanism of the self reaction of CF3CF2O2 radicals in the gas phase at 295 K

The ultraviolet absorption spectrum, kinetics, and mechanism of the self reaction of CF₃CF₂O₂ radicals have been studied in the gas phase at 295 K. Two techniques were used; pulse radiolysis UV absorption to measure the spectrum and kinetics, and long-path length FTIR spectroscopy to identify and quantify the reaction products. Absorption cross sections were quantified over the wavelength range 220–270 nm. At 230 nm, σ = (2.74 ± 0.46) ×10^?18 cm² molecule^?1. This absorption cross section was used to derive the observed self reaction rate constant for reaction (1), defined as, ?d[CF₃CF₂O₂]/dt = 2k_1obs[CF₃CF₂O₂]²: k_1obs = (2.10 ± 0.38) ×10^?12 cm³ molecule^?1 s^?1 (2σ). The observed products following the self reaction of CF₃CF₂O₂ radicals were COF₂, CF₃O₃CF₃, CF₃O₃C₂F₅, and CF₃OH. CF₃O₂CF₃ was tentatively identified as a product. The carbon balance was 90–100%. The self reaction of CF₃CF₂O₂ radicals was found to proceed via one channel to produce CF₃CF₂O radicals which then decompose to give CF₃ radicals and COF₂. In the presence of O₂, CF₃ radicals are converted into CF₃O radicals. CF₃O radicals have several fates; self reaction to give CF₃O₂CF₃; reaction with CF₃O₂ radicals to give CF₃O₃CF₃; reaction with C₂F₅O₂ radicals to give CF₃O₃C₂F₅; or reaction with CF₃CF₂H to give CF₃OH. As part of this work a rate constant of (2.5 ± 0.6) ×10^?16 cm³ molecule^?s^?1 was measured for the reaction of Cl atoms with CF₃CHF₂ using a relative rate technique. Results are discussed with respect to the atmospheric chemistry of CF₃CF₂H (HFC-125). © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Reaction of CF3 radicals with H2S

Hydrogen abstration from H₂S by CF₃ radicals, generated by the photolysis of both CF₃COCF₃ and CF₃I, has been studied in the temperature range 314–434 K. The rate constant, based on the value of 10^13.36 cm³/mol · s for the recombination of CF₃ radicals, is given by with CF₃COCF₃ as the radical source, and with CF₃I as the radical source, where k₂ is in cm³/mol · s and E is in J/mol. These results resolve a previously existing controversy concerning the values of the rate constants for this reaction. They show that CF₃ radicals are less reactive than CH₃ radicals in attacking H₂S, and this behavior indicates that polar effects play a significant role in the hydrogen transfer reactions of CF₃ radicals.     

Application of Langlois' reagent（NaSO2CF3） in C–H functionalisation

The process of selectively introducing a CF₃ group into an organic molecule using inexpensive,stable,and solid sodium trifluoromethanesulfinate has rapidly advanced in recent years to become an eco-friendly method used by organic chemists to synthesize various natural and bioactive molecules.This review focuses on advances made within the last five years regarding C-H functionalisation,namely thermochemical C（sp²）-H（thio）trifluoromethylations,photochemical C（sp²）...     

UV absorption spectra,kinetics, and mechanisms of the self reaction of CF3O2 radicals in the gas phase at 295 K

The ultraviolet absorption spectrum and the self reaction kinetics of CF₃O₂ radicals have been studied in the gas phase at 298 K using the pulse radiolysis technique. Long pathlength Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was used to identify and quantify reaction products. Absorption cross sections were quantified over the wavelength range 215–270 nm. The measured cross section at 230 nm was; Errors represent statistical (2σ) together with our estimate of potential systematic errors. The absorption cross section data were then used to derive the observed self reaction rate constant for reaction (1), defined as ?d[CF₃O₂]/dt = 2k _obs[CF₃O₂]² k_lobs = (3.6 ± 0.9) × 10^?12 cm³ molecule^?1 s^?1. The only carbon containing product observed by FTIR spectroscopy was CF₃OOOCF₃. Consideration of the loss of CF₃O₂ radicals to form the trioxide CF₃OOOCF₃ allows derivation of the true bimolecular rate constant for reaction (1); k₁ = (1.8 ± 0.5) × 10^?12 cm³ molecule^?1 s^?1. These results are discussed with respect to previous studies of the absorption spectra of peroxy radicals, the kinetics, and mechanisms of their self reaction. © John Wiley & Sons, Inc.