Pd-catalyzed defluorination/arylation of alpha-trifluoromethyl ketones via consecutive beta-F elimination and C-F bond activation

An unprecedented Pd-catalyzed activation of a CF3 group is reported herein. The key to the success of this reaction is the combination of consecutive beta-F elimination and C-F bond oxidative addition of a trifluoromethyl group. It also represents the first general application of alpha-trifluoromethyl ketones as building blocks by C-F bond activation.