One-pot synthesis of trifluoromethylated phthalans via intramolecular cyclization from 2-alkynylbenzaldehydes

An efficient tandem addition/cyclization procedure for the synthesis of trifluoromethylated phthalans under mild conditions was developed. This procedure involves tetrabutylammonium fluoride (TBAF)-promoted addition of Ruppert–Prakash reagent (TMSCF3) to 2-alkynylbenzaldehyde to give 2-alkynylbenzylicalcohols, which would then undergo base-catalyzed selective 5-exo-dig cyclization to furnish the corresponding products.

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