Preparation of CF3-containing 1,3-di- and 1,1,3-trisubstituted allenes

Novel synthetic pathway to access trifluoromethylated allenes with 1,3-di- as well as 1,1,3-trisubstitution patterns was developed from a variety of 4,4,4-trifluorobut-2-yn-1-ols which were then transformed into the corresponding vinylic iodides in highly regio- and stereospecific manners, and zinc-mediated beta-elimination after trifluoroacetylation of the hydroxyl group eventually realized the formation of the target molecules in good to excellent overall yields in facile and short steps.