Copper‐Mediated Trifluoroacetylation of Arenediazonium Salts with Ethyl Trifluoropyruvate

Abstract A copper‐mediated trifluoroacetylation of various arenediazonium salts with ethyl trifluoropyruvate is reported. The reaction proceeded smoothly under mild conditions at room temperature giving trifluoromethyl aryl ketones in moderate to good yields. A variety of functional groups, including methoxy, hydroxy, ester, ketone, trifluoromethyl, and halide groups, were well tolerated. A possible reaction mechanism involving an aryl radical intermediate was proposed and supported by experimental evidence. This reaction provides a new route to trifluoromethyl aryl ketones, notable synthetic targets, from the corresponding anilines.