A general method for synthesis of Se-trifluoromethyl esters through Iron-catalyzed trifluoromethylselenolation of acid chlorides

A mild and efficient trifluoromethylselenolation of acid chlorides with [(bpy)Cu(SeCF3)](2) (1) in the presence of a catalytic amount of metallic iron powder is described. Easily available benzoyl chloride derivatives and alkyl acid chlorides are smoothly converted into the corresponding Se-trifluoromethyl esters in good to excellent yields. This simple transformation demonstrates a broad substrate scope with respect to acid chlorides, and is amenable to being carried out on gram scales. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.