Direct Trifluoromethylationof Nitriles Promoted by Tetrabutylammonium Bifluoride

The direct trifluoromethylation of nitriles using TMSCF 3 is reported. This reaction is promoted by TBABF and provides α,α-bistrifluoromethylated amines in moderate to good yields. The reaction conditions are mild and tolerate a range of functional groups. The X-ray crystal structure of a bistrifluoromethylamine was obtained.