Synthesis of trans -Tetrafluoro(trifluoromethyl)-λ 6 -sulfanyl (CF 3 SF 4 )-Containing Olefins via Cross Metathesis.

The cross-metathesis reactions of trans -tetrafluoro(trifluoromethyl)-λ 6 -sulfanyl (CF 3 SF 4 )-containing olefins expand the repertoire of synthetic transformations of CF 3 SF 4 -substituted molecules. Treatment of a primary alkene and 3-CF 3 SF 4 -propene with a second-generation Hoveyda-Grubbs catalyst yielded the cross-metathesis product in good yield under very mild conditions (room temperature). CF 3 SF 4 -propene undergoes cross metathesis with substrates containing electron-withdrawing groups or electron-donating groups at room temperature or under dichloromethane reflux. The formation of the CF 3 SF 4 -propene homodimer and the utility of that dimer to undergo selective cross-metathesis reactions are described.