The most reactive 2nd generation of trifluoromethanesulfenamides undergoes a copper-catalyzed cross-coupling reaction with boronic acids to afford CF3 S-molecules. Contrary to the previous methods in the literature, no base addition, no heating, and no large excess of reagents are required to obtain good results. Furthermore, a crucial role of a small amount of water to favor this reaction has been demonstrated. This constitutes the mildest described conditions for such a reaction.
Keywords: boronic acid; cross-coupling; fluorine; trifluoromethanesulfenamide; trifluoromethylthiolation.
© 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.