Convenient and efficient decarboxylative aldol reaction of malonic acid half esters with trifluoromethyl ketones

A convenient and efficient decarboxylative ketone aldol condensation of malonic acid half esters was reported. In the presence of catalytic amount of triethylamine, a series of aromatic and alkyl trifluoromethyl ketones were transformed into the desired adducts in 61-99% yields. In a preliminary experiment, a moderate stereoselectivity was obtained. Direct reduction of the aldol product with LiAlH4 afforded trifluoromethylated 1,3-diol.