Mechanochemical Conversion of Aromatic Amines to Aryl Trifluoromethyl Ethers

J Am Chem Soc. 2022 Jun 15;144(23):10438-10445. doi: 10.1021/jacs.2c02611. Epub 2022 Jun 2.

Abstract

Increased interest in the trifluoromethoxy group in organic synthesis and medicinal chemistry has induced a demand for new, selective, general, and faster methods applicable to natural products and highly functionalized compounds at a later stage of hit-to-lead campaigns. Applying pyrylium tetrafluoroborate, we have developed a mechanochemical protocol to selectively substitute the aromatic amino group with the OCF3 functionality. The scope of our method includes 31 examples of ring-substituted anilines, including amides and sulfonamides. Expected SNAr products were obtained in excellent yields. The presented concise method opens a pathway to new chemical spaces for the pharmaceutical industry.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amides
  • Amines* / chemistry
  • Aniline Compounds / chemistry
  • Catalysis
  • Ethers* / chemistry

Substances

  • Amides
  • Amines
  • Aniline Compounds
  • Ethers