[3 + 2] Cycloaddition of arynes with CF3CHN2: Access to 3-trifluoromethyl-1H-indazoles

•[3 + 2] Cycloaddition reactions of arynes and CF3CHN2 were developed.•A series of 3-trifluoromethyl-1H-indazoles were synthesized under mild reaction conditions.•CsF in conjunction with TEBAC([Et3NBn]+Cl−) were used.

Efficient [3 + 2] cycloaddition reactions of arynes and CF3CHN2 were developed in the presence of fluoride in conjunction with TEBAC. Structurally distinct 3-trifluoromethyl-1H-indazoles were obtained in good to high yields with moderate regioselectivities. This experimentally simple process facilitates the access to potential biologically active 3-trifluoromethyl-indazoles from readily available starting materials.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide