PVP-I Catalyzed Hydroxysulfurization of α-(Trifluoromethyl)-Styrenes with Thiols: Access to Trifluoromethyl Tertiary Alcohol

Abstract

An efficient method for the synthesis of β-hydroxy-β-CF₃-thioether has been developed, utilizing povidone-iodine (PVP-I) as a recyclable catalyst and air as the oxidant. The reaction proceeded smoothly at room temperature, yielding the desired β-hydroxy-β-CF₃-thioether in moderate to good yields. This method can be scaled up to gram-scale without losing any reaction efficiency. The catalyst was also recyclable up to 8 repetitions. The reaction mechanism was investigated and plausible reaction pathway was proposed.