α-Diazo esters are smoothly converted into the corresponding trifluoromethyl thio- or selenoethers by reaction with Me4 NSCF3 or Me4 NSeCF3 , respectively, in the presence of catalytic amounts of copper thiocyanate. This straightforward method gives high yields under neutral conditions at room temperature and is applicable to a wide range of functionalized molecules, including diverse α-amino acid derivatives. It is well-suited for the late-stage introduction of trifluoromethylthio or -seleno groups into drug-like molecules.
Keywords: copper; diazo compounds; fluorine; fluoroalkylthiolation; synthetic methods.
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