Regio- and Diastereoselective Cu-Mediated Trifluoromethylation of Functionalized Alkenes

alpha- and beta-substituted N,N-diethylacrylamides undergo copper-mediated direct beta-trifluoromethylation. The amide moiety acts as a directing group for the regio- and the stereo-controlled introduction of the trifluoromethyl group. The reaction is carried out under acidic conditions in the presence of Umemoto's reagent. This method does not require prefunctionalized substrates and delivers excellent stereoselectivity.