Transition-Metal-Free Decarboxylation of 3,3,3-Trifluoro-2,2-dimethylpropanoic Acid for the Preparation of C(CF3)Me2-Containing Heteroarenes.

The direct synthesis of C(CF3)Me2-substituted heteroarenes by decarboxylative 1,1-dimethyltrifluoroethylation of heteroarenes with 3,3,3-trifluoro-2,2-dimethylpropanoic acid is reported. This method does not need the transition-metal catalyst, and the base is crucial for this reaction. A series of previously unknown C(CF3)Me2-containing heteroarenes were obtained in high yields and have potential applications in the drug discovery process.