MgCl2-catalyzed trifluoromethylation of carbonyl compounds using (trifluoromethyl)trimethylsilane as the trifluoromethylating agent.

Using (trifluoromethyl)trimethylsilane (TMSCF 3 ) as the trifluoromethylating agent, MgCl 2 -catalyzed trifluoromethylation of carbonyl compounds proceeded readily at room temperature. In the presence of 10 mol% of MgCl 2 , a variety of carbonyl substrates such as aliphatic/aromatic aldehydes, acyclic/cyclic ketones and esters could be trifluoromethylated in DMF, giving the corresponding trimethylsilyl ethers (ketals) in up to 93% isolated yields. Trifluoromethylketones could be readily obtained after hydrolysis of the trimethylsilyl ketals. The reactions could tolerate air and moisture, and the use of oxygen and moisture-free conditions was not required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]