Copper-mediated synthesis of α-trifluoromethylthio- and seleno-α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds

A novel route to the synthesis of α-trifluoromethylthio- and seleno-α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds via a copper-mediated trifluoromethylthiolation/trifluoromethylselenolation of α-halo-α,β-unsaturated carbonyl substrates is reported.