The ligand-free trifluoromethylation of arylboronic acids with a [Ph(2)SCF(3)](+)[OTf](-)/Cu(0) system has been carefully investigated. Aryl-, alkenyl- and heteroarylboronic acids with a variety of functional groups were suitable substrates for this reaction. It is suggested that a CuCF(3) species is formed under the reaction conditions.
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