Transition metal-catalyzed formation of CF3-substituted α,β-unsaturated alkene and the synthesis of α-trifluoromethyl substituted β-amino ester

A new transition metal-catalyzed formation of CF3-substituted alpha,beta-unsaturated alkenes through the ylide intermediate from the reaction between methyl 3,3,3-trifluoro-2-diazopropionate 1 and aryl aldehydes has been developed. Further transformation of the alkene affords the alpha-trifluoromethyl substituted beta-amino ester, a valuable intermediate in the synthesis of fluorine-containing amino acids with potential biological application. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.