Nickel-Catalyzed Direct Trifluoroethylation of Aryl Iodides with 1,1,1-Trifluoro-2-Iodoethane via Reductive Coupling

A nickel-catalyzed direct trifluoroethylation of aryl iodides with an industrial raw material CF3CH2I has been developed, demonstrating high efficiency, excellent functional-group compatibility, especially with large sterically hindered groups. The key to success is the combination of nickel with readily available nitrogen and phosphine ligands. The powerful potential of this strategy is further demonstrated by the late-stage modification of several derived bioactive molecules.