Trifluoromethylation of arenediazonium salts with fluoroform-derived CuCF3in aqueous media

A new protocol has been developed for trifluoromethylation of arenediazonium salts with moisture-sensitive CuCF3 (from fluoroform) in aqueous media. The reaction is governed by a radical mechanism, tolerates a broad variety of functional groups, and is applicable to the synthesis of complex, polyfunctionalized molecules.