Pd-Catalyzed Synthesis of Aryl and Heteroaryl Triflones from Reactions of Sodium Triflinate with Aryl (Heteroaryl) Triflates.

A novel method for Pd-catalyzed triflination of aryl and heteroaryl triflates using NaSO2CF3 as the nucleophile is described. The combination of Pd2(dba)3 and RockPhos formed the most effective catalyst. A broad range of functional groups and heteroaromatic compounds were tolerated under the neutral reaction conditions. The order of reactivity ArOTf ≥ ArCl ≥ ArBr is consistent with transmetalation being a slow step of the reaction.