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.