Enantioselective Trifluoromethylalkynylation of Alkenes via Copper-Catalyzed Radical Relay

Article abstract of DOI:10.1021/jacs.8b07436

A novel enantioselective copper-catalyzed trifluoromethylalkynylation of styrenes, proceeding through a radical relay process, is described herein, which affords structurally diverse CF₃-containing propargylic compounds in good yield with excellent enantioselectivities under very mild conditions. In addition, the reaction features wide substrate scope and good functional group tolerance. Moreover, the trifluoromethylalkynylated products can be easily converted into synthetically useful chiral terminal alkynes, allenes, Z-alkenes, as well as CF₃-modified nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.