1,2-(Bis)trifluoromethylation of Arylalkynes Using the Copper Complex

Cook and co-workers have developed a mild and efficient copper-mediated visible light promoted method to 1,2-(bis)trifluoromethylated styrene derivatives to create E-hexafluorobutenes (E-HFBs).¹⁾ The active trifluoromethylating agent (bpy)Cu(CF₃)₃ is bench stable and easily prepared from tetrabutylammonium tetrakis(trifluoromethyl)cuprate(III) and 2,2'-bipyridyl.²⁾ While it is known that (bpy)Cu(CF₃)₃ trifluoromethylates in a mono-manner³⁾ but had to be demonstrated in a bis-manner. Trifluoromethyl groups are of particular interest to medicinal chemical and pharmaceutical research and it is anticipated this novel method will be used to install CF₃ functionality on assumed to be inert styrene handles.