Copper-Catalyzed Carbotrifluoromethylation of Unactivated Alkenes Driven by Trifluoromethylation of Alkyl Radicals

Article abstract of DOI:10.1002/cjoc.201900075

We report herein an unprecedented protocol for radical carbotrifluoromethylation of unactivated alkenes. With Cu(OTf)₂ as the catalyst, the reaction of unactivated alkenes, TMSCF₃ and activated alkyl chlorides at room temperature provides the corresponding carbotrifluoromethylation products in satisfactory yields. Directed by trifluoromethylation of alkyl radicals, the method exhibits an excellent regioselectivity that is opposite to those driven by CF₃ radical addition.