Trifluoromethylation of Alkenyl Bromides and Iodides (Including 5-Iodouracils) with (CF₃)₂Hgand Cu (“Trifluoromethylcopper”)¹

Bromo- and iodoalkenes undergo trifluoromethylation efficiently in DMA with “CF₃Cu” generated from (CF₃)₂Hg and Cu. Variable stereochemical inversion is observed with substrates having a gem-carbonyl group. Substrates having gem-hydrogen, -alkyl, or -alkenyl groups give products with stereochemical retention.