Catalytic Enantioselective Conjugate Alkynylation of α,β‐Unsaturated 1,1,1‐Trifluoromethyl Ketones with Terminal Alkynes

The first catalytic enantioselective conjugate alkynylation of α,β‐unsaturated 1,1,1‐trifluoromethyl ketones has been carried out. Terminal alkynes and 1,3‐diynes were treated with trifluoromethyl ketones in the presence of a low catalytic load of a Cu^I‐MeOBIPHEP complex (2.5 mol %) and triethylamine (10 mol %) to give the corresponding trifluoromethyl ketones bearing a propargylic stereogenic center at the β position with good yields and excellent enantiomeric excesses in most of the cases. No 1,2‐addition products were formed under the reaction conditions. The procedure showed broad substrate scope for alkyne, diyne, and enone. A rationale for the observed stereochemistry has been provided. Finally, the potential application of the reaction products in the synthesis of chiral tetrahydrofurans bearing a trifluoromethylated quaternary stereocenter has been devised.