Synthesis of α-trifluoromethyl sulfides through fluorosulfuration of gem-difluoroalkenes

Abstract

A new fluoro-sulfuration of gem-difluoroalkenes is demonstrated that occurs through a nucleophilic fluorination and subsequent interrupted electrophilic sulfuration cascade. By intercepting the in situ generated α-trifluoromethyl carbanion intermediates with electrophilic benzenesulfonothioates, diverse α-trifluoromethyl sulfides were synthesized in high yields under mild conditions.