Synthesis of Active Hexafluoroisopropyl Benzoates through a Hydrogen-Bond-Enabled Palladium(II)-Catalyzed C-H Alkoxycarbonylation Reaction

A Pd-II-catalyzed ortho C-H alkoxycarbonylation reaction of aryl silanes toward active hexafluoroisopropyl (HFIP) benzoate esters has been developed. This efficient reaction features high selectivity and good functional-group tolerance. Notably, given the general nature of the silyl-tethered directing group, this method delivers products bearing two independently modifiable sites. NMR studies reveal the presence of hydrogen bonding between HFIP and a pyrimidine nitrogen atom of the directing group, and it is thought to be crucial for the success of this alkoxycarbonylation reaction.