Chemoselective Synthesis of α-Halo-α,α-difluoromethyl Ketones from Trimethyl(phenylethynyl)silane.

Here, we describe a novel strategy for chemoselective synthesis of α-halo-α,α-difluoromethyl ketones (-COCF3 and -COClCF2 motifs) from trimethyl(phenylethynyl)silane under catalyst-free and mild conditions. Commercially available Selectfluor or additional NaCl as halogen reagent was employed to complete this transformation, thereby demonstrating the potential synthetic value of this new reaction in organic synthesis.

Ruthenium-Catalyzed Regioselective Hydrohalogenation of Alkynes Mediated by Trimethylsilyl Triflate.

Here we describe a ruthenium-catalyzed regioselective hydrohalogenation reaction of alkynes under mild conditions. Commercially simple halogen sources such as KI, ZnBr2, and ZnCl2 were employed to achieve this transformation. Alkynes derived from bioactive molecules such as l-(-)-borneol, l-menthol, and estrone were also suitable for the transformation, demonstrating the potential synthetic value of this new reaction in organic synthesis.