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.