Catalyst-free and selective trifluoromethylative cyclization of acryloanilides using PhICF3Cl

Abstract

Trifluoromethylation-triggered cyclization of alkenes provides a useful route to CF₃-containing cyclic compounds. Current approaches to generate CF₃-based initiators from a CF₃ source require a catalyst or an activator. This work describes a catalyst-free protocol to innately produce electrophilic CF₃ species from PhICF₃Cl for trifluoromethylative cyclization of acryloanilides. A new domino biscyclization of dienes has been developed leading to trifluoroethylated tetrahydroindenoquinolinones with chemo- and stereo-selectivity.