Synthesis of trifluoromethyl ethers and difluoro(methylthio)methyl ethers by the reaction of dithiocarbonates with IF5-pyridine-HF

Abstract Trifluoromethyl ether and difluoro(methylthio)methyl ether of phenols and aliphatic alcohols were selectively synthesized from the corresponding dithiocarbonates. When IF 5 -pyridine-HF was used alone in the reaction of the dithiocarbonate, the difluoro(methylthio)methyl ether was selectively formed. On the other hand, by the additional use of Et 3 N-6HF with IF 5 -pyridine-HF, trifluoromethyl ether was formed selectively. Various functional groups such as ester, ether, amide, and acetonide could tolerate the reaction conditions, and various functionalized difluoro(methylthio)methyl ethers and trifluoromethyl ethers were synthesized.