Preparation of perfluoroalkyl ketones by the reaction of perfluoroalkyllithiums with esters

Abstract

A variety of esters react with perfluoroalkyllithiums in situ generated from perfluoroalkyl iodides and methyllithium to give perfluoroalkyl ketones in good yields. Perfluoroalkyllithiums add to α,β-unsaturated esters only in the 1,2-addition mode even in the presence of copper salt. Exception was observed in the reaction with maleates where perfluoroalkylated succinic esters and normal 1,2-addition products are obtained in comparable amounts.