From C1 to C2: TMSCF3 as a Precursor for Pentafluoroethylation

Abstract A highly efficient copper‐mediated aromatic pentafluoroethylation method using TMSCF 3 as the sole fluoroalkyl source is described. The reaction proceeds by a key C 1 to C 2 process, that is, the generation of CuCF 3 from TMSCF 3 , followed by a subsequent spontaneous transformation into CuC 2 F 5 . Various aryl iodides were pentafluoroethylated with the TMSCF 3 ‐derived CuC 2 F 5 . This method represents the first practical and efficient method for pentafluoroethylation of aryl iodides using commercially available TMSCF 3 as a pentafluoroethyl precursor.