Direct Synthesis of a Trifluoromethyl Copper Reagent from Trifluoromethyl Ketones: Application to Trifluoromethylation

Being economic with fluorine: The direct synthesis of CuCF3 from a cuprate reagent and trifluoromethyl ketones, as one of the most economical and efficient trifluoromethyl sources, was accomplished. The advantages of this method are all of reagents employed are low‐cost, operation is simple, and the yield of CuCF3 is virtually quantitative (see scheme). Furthermore, three types of trifluoromethylations smoothly proceeded to provide the corresponding products in high yields.