10.1002/chem.202001439
The study presents a novel and practical method for ortho-selective C-H perfluoroalkylation, including trifluoromethylations, of anilines and indoles using ruthenium catalysis. The process is significant for the synthesis of various (per)fluoroalkylated building blocks, which are valuable for creating bioactive compounds and materials. The researchers utilized commercially available reagents RI and RfBr, achieving high site selectivity without the need for protecting groups. The methodology is attractive due to the availability and cost of the starting materials, and it offers a mild reaction condition for the direct C-H perfluoroalkylation of anilines. The study also explores the substrate scope and reaction conditions, demonstrating the potential for gram-scale synthesis and the successful application to indoles, providing a pathway to selectively functionalize these important heterocyclic compounds.