Methyl 3,3,3-trifluoropyruvate hemiaminals: Stability and transaminations

Hemiaminals of methyl 3,3,3-trifluoropyruvate with aromatic amines, benzylic monoamines and diamines were prepared and their interconversions studied using NMR spectrometry. In solution, benzylic hemiaminals were found to be stable in contrast to aromatic hemiaminals, which, in turn, were stable in the solid state.