Abstract The conversion of an alcohol-based functional group, into a trifluoromethyl analogue is a desirable transformation. However, few methods are capable of converting O- based electrophiles into trifluoromethanes. The copper-mediated trifluoromethylation of benzylic xanthates using Umemoto's reagent as the source of CF 3 to form C [BOND] CF 3 bonds is described. The method is compatible with an array of benzylic xanthates bearing ...