Lewis acid-catalyzed Csp3–H functionalization of methyl azaarenes with α-trifluoromethyl carbonyl compounds

A Lewis acid promoted Csp3–H bond functionalization of methyl azaarenes with α-trifluoromethylated carbonyl compounds is described. Catalytic amounts of Yb(OTf)3 provided a straightforward access to the corresponding trifluoromethylated alcohols in excellent yields up to 94% under mild reaction conditions.