A facile method for the trifluoromethylsulfinylation of activated arenes with trifluoromethanesulfinyl chloride in the presence of Lewis acid was developed. The protocol could be expanded to the perfluoroalkylsulfinylation of activated arenes, as well as the trifluoromethylsulfinylation of indoles without additive.

Abstract

The trifluoromethylsulfinylation reaction of activated arenes with trifluoromethanesulfinyl chloride (CF₃SOCl) in the presence of Lewis acid was achieved under mild and solvent-free conditions. A series of aryl trifluoromethyl sulfoxides were obtained in moderate to high yields. The protocol could be extended to the perfluoroalkylsulfinylation of activated arenes, as well as the trifluoromethylsulfinylation of indoles without additive.