Multigram Laboratory Scale Synthesis of α-Trifluoromethoxy Carbonyl Compounds

alpha-trifluoromethoxy carbonyl compounds are valuable building blocks for the synthesis of various trifluoromethoxylated compounds. The best way to easily obtain them is the direct trifluoromethoxylation with the CF3O- anion, generated in situ from trifluoromethyl triflate. However, the necessary autogenous pressure generated during this reaction constitutes a main drawback for a multigram scale extrapolation. A specific procedure using adapted glassware has allowed a laboratory large-scale production (up to 50 g) of such building blocks with good yields.