Efficient Synthesis of α-Trifluoromethyl Carboxylic Acids and Esters through Fluorocarboxylation of gem-Difluoroalkenes.

A facile synthetic procedure for the preparation of α-trifluoromethyl carboxylic acids and esters was achieved through multicomponent coupling reactions between gem-difluoroalkenes, cesium fluoride, and carbon dioxide. The products were generated in moderate to excellent yields, and the synthetic utility of this method was demonstrated through the preparation of trifluoromethylated versions of popular nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).