Synthesis of N-trifluoromethyl amides from carboxylic acids

Found in biomolecules, pharmaceuticals, and agrochemicals, amide-containing molecules are ubiquitous in nature, and their derivatization represents a significant methodological goal in fluorine chemistry. Trifluoromethyl amides have emerged as important functional groups frequently found in pharmaceutical compounds. To date, there is no strategy for synthesizing N-trifluoromethyl amides from abundant organic carboxylic acid derivatives, which are ideal starting materials in amide synthesis. Here, we report the synthesis of N-trifluoromethyl amides from carboxylic acid halides and esters under mild conditions via isothiocyanates in the presence of silver fluoride at room temperature. Through this strategy, isothiocyanates are desulfurized with AgF, and then the formed derivative is acylated to afford N-trifluoromethyl amides, including previously inaccessible structures. This method shows broad scope, provides a platform for rapidly generating N-trifluoromethyl amides by virtue of the diversity and availability of both reaction partners, and should find application in the modification of advanced intermediates.