LiO-t-Bu/CsF-Mediated Formal Hydrolysis of Trifluoromethyl Arenes

Abstract This study investigates the formal hydrolysis of trifluoromethyl arenes without deprotonation functionality utilizing a combined Brønsted base system comprising LiO-t-Bu and CsF. The reaction conditions were optimized using 4-(trifluoromethyl)biphenyl as the model substrate, achieving a 94% yield with LiO-t-Bu/CsF. The scope of the substrate was explored, demonstrating the applicability of the system to various functionalities, such as (hetero)aryl, tert-butyl, methyl, amide, and alkenyl moieties. Mechanistic insights suggest a single electron transfer process.