NHC-Catalyzed Electrophilic Trifluoromethylation: Efficient Synthesis of γ-Trifluoromethyl α,β-Unsaturated Esters.

Described herein is a highly regioselective and efficient N-heterocyclic-carbene-catalyzed γ-trifluoromethylation of vinylogous enolates. Control experiments and DFT calculations provided important insight into the reaction mechanism.