Fe-catalyzed hydroxytrifluoromethylation of α-(trifluoromethyl)styrenes with CF 3 SO 2 Na: facile access to α,β-bistrifluoromethyl tertiary alcohols.

A mild and practical Fe-catalyzed hydroxytrifluoromethylation of α-(trifluoromethyl)styrenes with CF 3 SO 2 Na in the presence of K 2 S 2 O 8 and air was developed. The reaction proceeded efficiently at room temperature without β-fluoride elimination and afforded the corresponding α,β-bistrifluoromethyl tertiary alcohols in good to excellent yields.