Synthesis of Chiral 1,1,1-Trifluoro-α,α-disubstituted 2,4-Diketones via Palladium-Catalyzed Asymmetric Allylation

Abstract

Trifluoromethyl ketones are important enzyme inhibitors and versatile synthons for the preparation of trifluoromethylated heterocycles and complex molecules. An efficient methodology for the synthesis of chiral 1,1,1-trifluoro-α,α-disubstituted 2,4-diketones via palladium-catalyzed allylation with allyl methyl carbonates under mild conditions has been developed. This method surmounts the major obstacle of detrifluoroacetylation, and a chiral trifluoromethyl ketone library could be rapidly built up from simple substrates in good yields and enantioselectivities, thereby offering a new choice for scientists in pharmaceutical and material industries.