Stereoselective Synthesis of α-Trifluoromethyl Enones by AuI/CuI-Co-Catalyzed Tandem 1,3-Acyloxy Migration/Trifluoromethylation Reaction of Propargyl Acetates.

AuI/CuI-co-catalyzed tandem 1,3-acyloxy migration/trifluoromethylation reaction of propargyl esters to give α-trifluoromethyl enones in moderate yields and with excellent stereoselectivity is described. It is proposed that the reaction proceeds through the 1,3-acyloxy migration of the propargyl esters catalyzed by AuI to produce an allenic intermediate, followed by its trifluoromethylation to give the final product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]