Synthesis and spectroscopic properties of 5-tert-butyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)phthalonitrile: a novel precursor for the synthesis of phthalocyanines

The synthesis and spectroscopic characterization of the new phthalonitrile 5-tert-butyl-3-(trifluoromethyl)phthalonitrile is reported. A six-step route, which started with a regiospecific iodination, followed by CuI-catalyzed trifluoromethylation, is discussed. The title compound is also converted into the more reactive compound 6-tert-butyl-4-trifluoromethyl-1,3-diiminoisoindoline.