Incorporation of hexafluorobutyne into furans or phenols via reaction with iron(0) carbene or vinylketene complexes

Reaction of iron(0) carbene complexes with hexafluorobut-2-yne produces 3,4-bis(trifluoromethylated)furans in a process that is favored for electron-rich carbenes. No traces of furannulation or benzannulation are observed with Group 6 Fischer carbenes. Reaction of hexafluorobut-2-yne with a vinylketene iron(0) complex gives a 2,3-bis-trifluoromethylated phenol. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.