(NH4)2S2O8 mediated denitrative trifluoromethylation of β-nitrostyrenes: Synthesis of vinyltrifluoromethylated alkenes

A metal-free denitrative trifluoromethylation of β-nitrostyrenes has been developed under mild reaction conditions using Langlois’ (CF3SO2Na) reagent to an easy access vinyltrifluoromethylated alkenes. (NH4)2S2O8 used as a cheap radical initiator to produce CF3 radical via desulfonylation at elevated temperature. The product is predominantly trans (E)-selective and reaction is applicable to a wide range of the β-nitrostyrenes.