High-valent Cu()-CF compound-mediated esterification reaction

Cu( iii )-CF 3 compounds are reported herein as novel coupling reagents to mediate ester synthesis from carboxyl acids and alcohols/phenols. Carboxylic acids are transformed to trifluoromethyl ester and acyl fluoride activated species that interact with each other. The broad substrate scope and late-stage application of this method are demonstrated. This study opens up new opportunities to develop interesting reactions using Cu( iii )-CF 3 compounds without transferring a CF 3 group to the products. The use of a Cu( iii )-CF 3 complex as a novel coupling reagent allows a general esterification reaction with broad substrate scope. Two activated carboxyl species are generated and interact with each other.