Fluoroform-Derived CuCF3 for Trifluoromethylation of Terminal and TMS-Protected Alkynes

An efficient trifluoromethylation reaction of alkynes using a fluoroform-derived CuCF3 reagent is described. The CF3 source is the inexpensive industrial waste fluoroform (CF3H). The air-stable CuCF3 reagent can be prepared in large quantities and is convenient to use. Synthetically useful trifluoromethylated alkynes containing a wide range of functional groups were successfully synthesized under mild conditions. Both terminal and TMS-protected alkynes gave the products in one step. The beneficial effect of a diamine ligand tetramethylethylenediamine (TMEDA) with the fluoroform-derived CuCF3 reagent was also demonstrated.