Progress of Trifluoromethylation Using Trifluoroacetic Acid and Its Derivatives as CF3-Sources

Organic molecules containing trifluoromethyl groups often exhibit unique physical and chemical properties, and have found extensive applications. Trifluoroacetic acid and its derivatives have advantages including low cost, ready availabil-ity and high stability. Furthermore, CO 2 is the byproduct. Therefore, trifluoroacetic acid and its derivatives are ideal trifluoromethylating reagents, and have great application potentials. The progress of trifluoromethylation reactions using trifluoroacetic acid and its derivatives as CF 3 -sources is reviewed, including the reactions of C — X (X ＝ Br and I), C — H, and C ＝ X (X ＝ C, O). The mechanisms are also introduced.