Fe-catalyzed hydroxytrifluoromethylation of α-(trifluoromethyl)styrenes with CF3SO2Na: facile access to α,β-bistrifluoromethyl tertiary alcohols

A mild and practical Fe-catalyzed hydroxytrifluoromethylation of α-(trifluoromethyl)styrenes with CF3SO2Na in the presence of K2S2O8 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.