Aromatic trifluoromethylthio components (ArSCF₃) have found in many pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals and materials because of their high lipophilicity and hydrophobicity parameter. Consequently, the development of efficient methods for preparing ArSCF₃ compounds has been a topic of increasing importance in organic synthesis. This review focuses particularly on the presently known trifluoromethylthiolation divided into “direct” and “indirect” methods. Recent advances in the development of new strategies for incorporation of -SCF₃ groups into organic molecules including nucleophilic, electrophilic, radical trifluoromethylthiolation, and new trifluoromethylthiolation reagents and reactions are reviewed. Lastly, the synthetic challenges and research trend for trifluoromethylthiolation are also discussed. Contents
1 Introduction
2 Indirect methods for synthesis of aryl trifluoromethyl thioethers
2.1 Halogen-fluorine exchange
2.2 Incorporation of CF₃ group to sulfur atom containing substrates
3 Direct methods for synthesis of aryl trifluoromethyl thioethers
3.1 Electrophilic trifluoromethythiolation
3.2 Nucleophilic trifluoromethythiolation
3.3 Transition metal-catalyzed trifluoromethythio-lation
4 Trifluoromethythiolation of olefins and alkynes
5 Conclusion and outlook