Straightforward synthesis of CF3-substituted triarylethenes by stereoselective threefold cross-coupling reactions

Article abstract of DOI:10.1002/anie.200703759

Any way round: The palladium-catalyzed threefold cross-coupling reaction of 1,1-dibromo-3,3,3-trifluoro-2-tosyloxypropene with aryl boronic acids provides a versatile route to CF₃-substituted triarylethenes (see scheme). The CF₃ group is essential for the high Z selectivity in the first coupling reaction, which is the key step in the process. Any of the ethene stereoisomers can be prepared simply by changing the order of the aryl boronic acids. (Chemical Equation Presented).