Asymmetric Cu-Catalyzed Intermolecular Trifluoromethylarylation of Styrenes: Enantioselective Arylation of Benzylic Radicals

A novel asymmetric radical trifluoromethylarylation of alkenes has been developed, which provides an efficient approach to access chiral CF3-containing 1,1-diarylmethane derivatives with good to excellent enantio-selectivity. Various vinyl arenes and aryl boronic acids are compatible with these conditions. The utility of the method is demonstrated by accessing modified bioactive molecules.