Trifluoromethyl group copper catalysts

The reaction mechanism is postulated to go through a Heck-like four-membered ring transition state as determined through experimental and theoretical analysis. The addition of water to the reaction did not lower the yield, and the use of palladium acetate in place of the copper catalyst gave no product Importantly, the presence of the alkene group provides a useful handle for further functionalized trifluoromethyl-ated compounds. 

CO2-Insertion. An effective way to form propioUc acids is the insertion of carbon dioxide into the C-H bond of terminal alkynes. This can be achieved by a copper-bathophenanthroUne catalyst under mild reaction conditions (eq 13). The reaction allows several different groups (R) bonded to the alkyne including ethers, halogens, trifluoromethyl, alkenyl and aryl groups as well as unprotected NH or OH (generated from TMS) groups in yields from 63% to 99%. ... 

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