The solid complex Zn(CF3)Br·2DMF as an alternative reagent for the preparation of both, trifluoromethyl and pentafluoroethyl copper, CuCF3 and CuC2F5

Trifluoromethylcopper and pentafluoroethylcopper are prepared conveniently via the reaction of the solid complex Zn(CF3)Br·2DMF with copper(I) bromide in N,N-dimethylformamide. The reactions of both copper species with 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene, 4-iodonitrobenzene, 4-nitrobenzyl iodide, 4-bromobenzoic acid ethyl ester, 4-iodobenzoic acid ethyl ester, 2-iodopyridine and 2-iodopyrimidine have been studied. The structure of 2,4-dinitrotrifluoromethylbenzene has been elucidated.