Chemoselective Reduction of Trichloromethyl Compounds to gem-Dichloromethyl Groups Following Appel's Reaction Protocol.

A simple and easy reduction of trichloroacetyl compounds following the modification of Appel's reaction protocol, using triphenylphosphine and methanol, afforded the corresponding dichloroacetyl compounds, with the exception of trichloroacetylmorpholine, in yields of 80-98% under very mild experimental conditions. Likewise, when trichloromethyl heterocyclic compounds contain another reactive functional group, the reaction is highly chemoselective giving the dichloromethyl derivative.