Synthesis of optically enriched β-trifloromethyl-δ-lactones through asymmetric aldol reactions of acetaldehyde with unsaturated trifluoromethyl ketones as the key steps

Abstract

Optically enriched δ-lactones with a quaternary trifluoromethyl carbinol motif were synthesized in good yields with high to excellent enantioselectivities. The synthesis step includes asymmetric aldol reactions of acetaldehyde with unsaturated trifluoromethyl ketones followed by oxidations and a subsequent iodolactonization and deiodination. © 2014 Chinese Chemical Society & SIOC, CAS.