Silver salts and DBU cooperatively catalyzed domino reaction of propargylic alcohols with trifluoromethyl ketones: direct method to trifluoromethyl‐substituted 5‐alkylidene‐1,3‐dioxolane derivatives

A general and efficient synthesis of trifluoromethyl‐substituted 5‐alkylidene‐1,3‐dioxolanes using AgNO₃ and DBU cooperatively catalyzed domino reaction of propargylic alcohols and trifluoromethyl ketones is described. The reaction tolerates a broad range of functional groups, and the desired products are obtained in good to excellent yields (62–99%) with acceptable diastereoselectivities. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.