Fluoroalkylated copper(III) complexes

Copper(III) complexes often exhibit unique reactivity properties. We prepared novel Cu(III) trifluoromethyl complexes with 1,3-diketonate ligands. They are bench stable and well soluble in organic solvents. With these complexes we demonstrated aromatic C-H trifluoromethylation and trifluoromethylation of alkynes and thiols (Advanced Synthesis & Catalysis  365: 2858, 2023).

Weakly ligated dimethylformamide or acetonitrile tris(trifluoromethyl)copper(III) complexes were prepared. The solvent substitution with oxygen or nitrogen donor ligands provided various trifluoromethylated Cu(III) complexes (Chemistry Europe 2 (2): e202400004, 2024).

C–H trifluoromethylation of (hetero)arenes and complex biomolecules has been developed using a substoichiometric amount of the stable tetrakis(trifluoromethyl)cuprate(III) salt (Chemical Science 17: 430, 2026).