Metal-Free sp3 C-SCF3 Coupling Reactions between Cycloketone Oxime Esters and S-trifluoromethyl 4-Methylbenzenesulfonothioate

A novel sp(3) C-SCF3 coupling reaction between cycloketone oxime esters and S-trifluoromethyl 4-methylbenzenesulfonothioate was achieved. Ethanol was found to facilitate this transformation by trapping the sulfonyl cation. The metal-free and photocatalyst-free reaction conditions, as well as the broad substrate scope, make this a green protocol for the synthesis of SCF3-substituted nitriles.