Trifluoromethyl ethers - Synthesis and properties of an unusual substituent

Abstract

After nitrogen, fluorine is probably the next most favorite hetero-atom for incorporation into small molecules in life scienceoriented research. This review focuses on a particular fluorinated substituent, the trifluoromethoxy group, which is finding increased utility as a substituent in bioactives, but it is still perhaps the least well understood fluorine substituent in currency. The present review will give an overview of the synthesis, properties and reactivity of this important substituent. © 2008 Leroux et al; licensee Beilstein-Institut.