Electrochemical Minisci-type trifluoromethylation of electron-deficient heterocycles mediated by bromide ions

Abstract

An electrochemical methodology for the Minisci-type trifluoromethylation of electron-deficient heterocycles mediated by cheap and easily available bromide ions has been developed. By virtue of the in situ generated sulfonyl hypobromite intermediate, the CF₃ radical can be regulated and controlled at a low concentration, thereby improving the reaction efficiency over direct electrolysis. Also, this indirect electrochemical process is performed in a beaker-type undivided cell under galvanostatic conditions, without using external expensive supporting electrolytes. This protocol provides an alternative electrochemical trifluoromethylation methodology for the late-stage functionalization of biologically important molecules.