Enantioenriched quaternary α-pentafluoroethyl derivatives of alkyl 1-indanone-2-carboxylates.

An electrophilic enantioselective catalytic method for the -pentafluoroethylation of 3-oxoesters is described. Under the use of La(OTf)3 in combination with (S,R)-indanyl-pybox ligand good results in terms of yield and enantioselectivities were achieved (up to 89% ee). The reaction proceeds under mild conditions leading to the formation of enantioenriched quaternary centers. This methodology uses an hypervalent iodine(III)-CF2CF3 reagent and mechanistic investigations are consistent with the involvement of a radical pathway.