An expeditious synthesis of α-aryl- and α-alkynylcyclohexenones is described and illustrated by palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling reaction of cyclic α-iodoenones with potassium aryl-trifluoroborate salts. This procedure offers easy access to α-arylated and alkynylated cyclohexenones functionalized with electrondonor and -acceptor substituents in good yields.
The first palladium-catalyzedasymmetric allylic trifluoromethylation is disclosed. The methodology evokes a fundamental principle by which the synergistic interplay of a leaving group and its subsequent activation of the nucleophilic trifluoromethyl group enabled the reaction. Allyl fluorides have been shown to be superior precursors for generation of π-allyl complexes, which lead to trifluoromethylated