Unexpected formation of tetrasubstituted 2,3-dihydrofurans from the reactions of β-keto polyfluoroalkanesulfones with aldehydes

Catalyzed by piperidine, the reactions of beta-keto polyfluoroalkanesulfones with aromatic aldehydes afforded the unexpected tetrasubstituted 2,3-dihydrofurans in good yields, probably proceeding through the normal Knoevenagel condensation products. This reaction provided an efficient and novel method for the stereoselective synthesis of fluorine-containing tetrasubstituted trans-2,3-dihydrofurans.