Asymmetric synthesis of α-trifluoromethoxy ketones with a tetrasubstituted α-stereogenic centre via the palladium-catalyzed decarboxylative allylic alkylation of allyl enol carbonates

The palladium-catalyzed asymmetric decarboxylative allylic alkylation of trifluoromethoxy allyl enol carbonates afforded enantioenriched α-trifluoromethoxy allyl ketones that feature a tetrasubstituted α-stereogenic center in excellent yield and high enantioselectivity. The method was further extended to the asymmetric synthesis of α-difluoromethoxy and α-methoxy allyl ketones, which proceeded under similar catalytic conditions.