Synthesis of α-Trifluoromethylacrylates by Ligand-Free Palladium-Catalyzed Mizoroki-Heck Reaction.

Efficient ligand-free palladium catalyzed Mizoroki-Heck reaction allowed the formation of trisubstituted α-trifluoromethylacrylates. The reaction showed good chemical tolerance and furnished moderate to excellent yields of reaction. Silver salt additive proved to be essential for the reaction. The reaction has been then applied to the formation of 3-trifluoromethyl coumarins and analogues of therapeutic agents.