Copper-Catalyzed, Stereoselective Bis-trifluoromethylthiolation of Propiolic Acid Derivatives with AgSCF3.

A copper-catalyzed chemo- and stereoselective oxidative bis-trifluoromethylthiolation of propiolic acid derivatives was achieved by using carboxylic acid as the activating group and formic acid as a cosolvent. The reaction of propiolic acid derivatives and AgSCF3 in the presence of (NH4)2S2O8 and catalytic Cu(OAc)2 in MeCN/HCO2H afforded bis-trifluoromethylthiolated acrylic acids in moderate to excellent yields with E selectivity. Further derivatization of the resultant products gave a series of polysubstituted SCF3-containing alkenes.