Cinchona alkaloid/TMAF combination: Enantioselective trifluoromethylation of aryl aldehydes

► A sterically demanding cinchona alkaloid with tetramethylammonium fluoride is effective for enantioselective trifluoromethylation of aromatic aldehydes. ► Aromatic aldehydes are trifluoromethylated catalyzed by a sterically demanding cinchona alkaloid with tetramethylammonium fluoride. ► (Trifluoromethyl)trimethylsilane is useful for enantioselective trifluoromethylation of aromatic aldehydes in the presence of cinchona alkaloid. ► Chiral phase-transfer catalysts are effective for enantioselective trifluoromethylation of aromatic aldehydes in the presence of tetramethylammonium fluoride.