A cross-electrophile coupling reaction of gem-difluoroalkenyl tosylate with α-CF₃ benzyl tosylate is presented. This protocol is the first example of cross-electrophile coupling between two different tosylates by Pd/Ni cooperative catalysis.

Abstract

Cross-electrophile coupling reactions are efficient for the construction of carbon-carbon bonds under relatively mild conditions, and hence widely used for making new molecules. Among various electrophiles, the cross-electrophile coupling reaction between two different tosylates has been rarely studied. Herein, we present a cross-electrophile coupling of gem-difluoroalkenyl tosylate (C(sp²)−OTs) and α-CF₃ benzyl tosylate (C(sp³)−OTs) by nickel/palladium cooperative catalysis. Mechanistic investigation indicated that the activation of C(sp²)−OTs bond and C(sp³)−OTs bond was facilitated by nickel and palladium respectively.