Acid-Catalyzed Synthesis of α-Trifluoromethylthiolated Carbonyl Compounds

The α-trifluoromethylthiolation of carbonyl compounds in soft acidic conditions has been developed. With this method only mono-trifluoromethylthiolation was selectively observed. Base-sensitive ketones can then be trifluoromethylthiolated. More sensitive aldehydes are also trifluoromethylthiolated under these conditions with good yields. This work provides a new route towards the synthesis of various valuable trifluoromethylthiolated molecules.