A facile synthesis of CF3-containing iminoisobenzofurans via copper-catalyzed oxygen trifluoromethylation–cyclization of o-vinyl-N-alkylamide

Abstract

A copper-catalyzed oxygen trifluoromethylation of o-vinyl-N-alkylamide using Togni reagent as the trifluoromethyl precursor is demonstrated for the efficient synthesis of trifluoromethyl-containing iminoisobenzofurans. Preliminary mechanistic studies indicate that free radicals are involved in this process. The advantages of this approach include relatively mild reaction conditions and good functional group tolerance.