Synthesis of trifluoromethylated thioethers via Ni-catalyzed reductive C–S coupling

Abstract

The introduction of a trifluoromethyl group into sulfur-containing compounds would significantly alter the biochemical properties of the molecules. Reductive coupling has proven to be an exceptionally powerful strategy to construct C–C and C–X bonds. There are some reports of accessing various α-functionalized trifluoroalkanes via C–C bond forming reductive coupling, but C–X reductive coupling is still out of coverage. Herein, we report a concise and efficient Ni-catalyzed reductive C–S coupling, which enables access to a series of α-CF₃ functionalized thioethers in good to excellent yields under mild conditions, with a broad substrate scope and excellent functional group compatibility. Additionally, this protocol provides a new approach for subsequent trifluoromethylation modification of sulfur-containing organic structures.