Ligand Free Palladium‐Catalyzed Synthesis of α‐Trifluoromethylacrylic Acids and Related Acrylates by Three‐Component Reaction

Aryl iodides and 2‐(trifluoromethyl)acrylic acid reacted together in ligand‐free Mizoroki‐Heck reaction furnishing a quick and efficient access to highly valuable α‐trifluoromethylacrylic acids. The useful transformation was independent with regard to the electronic nature of the aryl group substituent. A three‐component one‐pot version was also developed to give diverse substituted acrylates. The versatility of α‐trifluoromethylacrylic acids was demonstrated by quick access to 3‐CF 3 ‐coumarins as well as fluorinated analogues of therapeutic or cosmetic agents. Finally, we proposed a catalytic cycle based on the silver carboxylate salt, identified as a key intermediate in the reaction.