Copper‐Catalyzed Enantioselective Formation of C−CF 3 Centers from β‐CF 3 ‐Substituted Acrylates and Acrylonitriles

International audience; The catalytic asymmetric synthesis of β‐trifluoromethylated esters or nitriles is reported. The use of an in situ formed chiral Cu−H complex allowed the enantioselective reduction of β‐trifluoromethylated acrylates or acrylonitriles. The reaction proceeds smoothly affording the corresponding enantioenriched products in good to excellent yields and outstanding enantioselectivities (up to 98 % ee). The mechanism of the reaction was studied, and a plausible reaction pathway was suggested accordingly. Finally, the versatility of the products was highlighted through functional group manipulations.