Rh-Catalyzed Coupling Reactions of Fluoroalkyl N-Sulfonylhydrazones with Azides Leading to α-Trifluoroethylated Imines

Org Lett. 2022 Dec 9;24(48):8920-8924. doi: 10.1021/acs.orglett.2c03773. Epub 2022 Nov 29.

Abstract

Herein we describe the pioneering Rh-catalyzed coupling reactions of a fluoroalkyl carbene with azides to access α-trifluoroethylated imines, where fluoroalkyl N-sulfonylhydrazones are used as fluoroalkyl diazo surrogates. Remarkably, using TMSN3 as the N source, two C-N bond formation products were obtained. Furthermore, the α-trifluoroethylated imine products could be easily reduced to the corresponding N-trifluoroethylated anilines. Experimental results and theoretical calculations justify a stepwise reaction pathway involving the formation of rhodium carbene, the addition of HN3, and C═N bond formation.