Hydroxytrifluoromethylation of Alkenes Using Fluoroform-Derived CuCF3

Hydroxytrifluoromethylation of alkenes using the fluoroform (CF3H)-derived [CuCF3] reagent is described. In the presence of additive B2Pin2 and air, this reagent effectively facilitates the addition of hydroxy and trifluoromethyl groups across an alkene double bond, a formal hydroxytrifluoromethylation process. Various β-trifluoromethyl alcohols can be synthesized from simple alkenes where the ultimate CF3 source is the industrial byproduct fluoroform.