Pd-catalyzed defluorination/arylation of α-trifluoromethyl ketones via consecutive β-F elimination and C–F bond activation

An unprecedented Pd-catalyzed activation of a CF3 group is reported herein. The key to the success of this reaction is the combination of consecutive β-F elimination and C-F bond oxidative addition of a trifluoromethyl group. It also represents the first general application of α-trifluoromethyl ketones as building blocks by C-F bond activation.