Synthesis and application of well-defined [Ph 4 P] + [Cu(CF 2 CF 3 ) 2 ] - complex as a versatile pentafluoroethylating reagent.

We herein describe the preparation and application of a new bispentafluoroethylated organocuprate [Ph 4 P] + [Cu(CF 2 CF 3 ) 2 ] - . This complex has demonstrated a remarkable range of reactivities towards carboxylic acids, diazonium salts, organic halides, boronic esters, terminal alkynes and (hetero)arenes as a versatile pentafluoroethylating reagent. The construction of C(sp 3 )-/C(sp 2 )-/C(sp)-CF 2 CF 3 bonds can therefore be achieved using a single reagent.