Trifluoromethylation of Alkyl Radicals: Breakthrough and Challenges†

Abstract

Trifluoromethylation of alkyl radicals is emerging as a powerful tool for C(sp3)–CF3 bond formations. Based on the hypothesis of CF3 group transfer from Cu(II)–CF3 to alkyl radicals, a number of trifluoromethylation reactions have been developed, including trifluoromethylation of alkyl halides, decarboxylative trifluoromethylation of aliphatic carboxylic acids, C(sp3)–H trifluoromethylation, amino‐ and carbo‐trifluoromethylation of alkenes, etc. Challenges in this intriguing field are also discussed.