Copper-Catalyzed Functionalization of Aza-Aromatic Rings with Fluoroalcohols via Direct C(sp2)–H/C(sp3)–H Coupling Reactions

An efficient copper-catalyzed direct C(sp2)–H/C(sp3)–H coupling reaction of aza-aromatic rings with fluoroalcohols is developed. A variety of useful building blocks including hydroxyfluoroalkylated aniline, pyrrole, and indole derivatives bearing a quaternary carbon center could be constructed with high regioselectivity and good to excellent yields under very mild reaction conditions. The reaction is believed to undergo a fluoroalcohol oxidation and to follow an electronic addition reaction pathway.