Ligandless Nickel-Catalyzed Ortho-Selective Directed Trifluoromethylthiolation of Aryl Chlorides and Bromides Using AgSCF.

A mild protocol for Ni-catalyzed trifluoromethylthiolation of aryl chlorides and bromides is described herein. The method utilizes AgSCF as an easily accessible nucleophilic trifluoromethylthiolating reagent and does not require any ligands or additives. Ortho-selectivity is achieved using a variety of directing groups such as imines, pyridines, and oxazolines for 24 examples in up to 95% yield.