Mn-Catalyzed Hydroxyalkylation of α-Trifluoromethylstyrenes with Cyclopropanols: Facile Synthesis of δ-Trifluoromethyl-δ-Hydroxyketones

Abstract

δ-Trifluoromethyl-δ-hydroxyketones are challenging to construct from simple starting materials. A highly efficient, concise hydroxyalkylation has been successfully achieved, in which the cyclopropanols and α-(trifluoromethyl)alkenes can be utilized for construction of valuable δ-trifluoromethyl-δ-hydroxyketone scaffolds in an economic and green manner. The reaction proceeded efficiently under mild, additive-free reaction conditions using ambient air as a benign oxidant, aligning with green chemistry principles such as atom economy, step economy and waste minimization. This transformation without competitive β-fluoride elimination, exhibits a broad substrate scope, excellent functional group compatibility, and scalability, demonstrating significant potential for practical applications. The recyclability of the catalytic system further underscores the sustainability of this transformation.