A vitamin B derivative catalyzed electrochemical trifluoromethylation and perfluoroalkylation of arenes and heteroarenes in organic media.

The electrochemical trifluoromethylation and perfluoroalkylation of aromatic compounds mediated by a vitamin B derivative as a cobalt-based catalyst has been developed. The Co(i) species of a vitamin B derivative, prepared by controlled-potential electrolysis at -0.8 V vs.