Fenton Reagent-Catalyzed Trifluoromethylation of Enamines of 3-Oxocarboxylates with CF3I.

Abstract The trifluoromethylation of enamines of ethyl 3-oxocarboxylates catalyzed by Fenton reagent with CF3I was investigated. Trifluoromethylation followed by acid hydrolysis provided 3-oxo-2-(trifluoromethyl)carboxylates in 64–94% yields, which were greater than those obtained by the trifluoromethylation of 3-oxocarboxylates as reported previously. Enamines trifluoromethylated at the 2-position were isolated as intermediates. Hydrolysis and successive decarboxylation of the obtained 3-oxo-2-(trifluoromethyl)carboxylates under acidic conditions provided (2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)ketones in satisfactory yields.