Insect chemistry—VI

Efficient and stereoselective synthesis of beta-trifluoromethyl alpha,beta-unsaturated esters via iron(III) porphyrin-catalyzed olefination of ketones

beta-Trifluoromethyl alpha,beta-unsaturated esters were efficiently prepared by reactions of fluorine-containing ketones with diazo compounds via metalloporphyrin-catalyzed olefination in the presence of triphenylphosphine. The commercially available Fe(III)(TPP)Cl (TPP: tetraphenylporphyrin) is effective for catalyzing the olefination of a variety of trifluoromethyl ketones with different diazoacetate esters under mild conditions. The reactions proceeded with high yields (up to 95% isolated yield) and high stereoselectivity (up to 99% (E)-selectivity).

Synthesis of Trifluoromethyl Heterocyclic Compounds

The synthesis of trifluoromethyl pyrazoles, 1,5-benzodiazepines, and 1,5-benzothiazepines is described. The regiochemistry of the pyrazole synthesis was investigated using 2D NMR methods.

Acetyltrimethylsilane, trifluoromethyltrimethylsilane, and prenyl esters: a three-component system for the synthesis of gem-difluoroanalogues of monoterpenes

The preparation of 3,3-difluoro-6-methylhept-5-en-2-one 1, a key intermediate for the synthesis of 4,4-difluoroterpenes, and applications in linalool and geraniol series are described. The process involves 1,1-difluoro-2-trimethylsilyoxypropene, an enol silyl ether prepared from acetyltrimethylsilane and trifluoromethyltrimethylsilane, and its reaction in situ with prenyl benzoate, under catalysis by trimethylsilyl trifluoromethanesulfonate. Optimized conditions leading to either the desired enol silyl ether or the unprecedented methyl(trifluoromethyl)trimethylsilyl carbinol 4 have been achieved. The prenylation of the enol silyl ether gives a 9/1 mixture of regioisomers, in favor of the expected ketone 1. Treatment of 1 with vinylmagnesium bromide leads to (+/-)-4,4-difluorolinalool 7. Reaction with the lithium enolate of ethyl diethylphosphonoacetate, and then LAH reduction, converts 1 to 4,4-difluorogeraniol 11, with complete stereoselectivity.

Short stereoselective route to gamma-CF3 allylic alcohols: rearrangements with creation of quaternary CF3-substituted carbons

A concise preparation of tetrasubstituted hindered functionalized CF3-olefins 2-7 from corresponding enol ether 3 is described. Geometrically pure gamma-CF3, gamma-alkyl allylic alcohols thus prepared could undergo Claisen-type rearrangements and provide, in good yields, carboxylic esters and amides containing a beta- quaternary CF3-substituted carbon.