Selective Transformations of Aromatic Trifluoromethyl Groups

The trifluoromethyl group is robust, hydrophobic, and electron-withdrawing. A wide range of molecules bearing trifluoromethyl groups have thus played crucial roles in the organic synthesis of a wide range of compounds. Nonetheless, despite vigorous studies on trifluoromethyl compounds, selective transformations of the C–F bond of trifluoromethyl groups remain challenging. I recently accomplished selective transformations of the C–F bond of aromatic trifluoromethyl groups under mild conditions. In particular, transformations of a single C–F bond of o-hydrosilyl-substituted benzotrifluorides have been achieved. I have also developed an efficient synthetic method for diaryl ketones via C–F cleavages of benzodifluorides