Direct aldol condensation reaction of ethyl diazoacetate with trifluoromethyl ketones

An efficient and direct aldol-type condensation of ethyl diazoacetate with trifluoromethyl ketones was developed in the presence of dialkyl zinc. A series of trifluoromethylated products were obtained in good to excellent yields (60–95%). A preliminary extension to a catalytic enantioselective aldol reaction of ethyl diazoacetate to trifluoromethyl ketones (up to 72% ee) is also described.

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