Metal-free catalytic hydrocarboxylation of hexafluorobut-2-yne.

An efficient method for stereoselective synthesis of trifluorinated enol esters catalyzed by base was introduced. The DFT calculations and experimental results both supported the nucleophilic addition process. The protocol featured mild reaction conditions and showed a wide functional group tolerance. The one-pot simultaneous etherification and esterification of the salicylic acids further demonstrated the prospective synthetic application.