Synthesis of α-trifluoromethyl-β-keto phosphonates by electrophilic trifluoromethylation with Togni reagent

A new synthetic method of trifluoromethylated phosphonates was developed via electrophilic trifluoromethylation with Togni reagent. A variety of β-keto phosphonates were converted into the corresponding α-trifluoromethyl-β-keto phosphonates in moderate to good yields. This protocol could also be extended to other fluoroalkylation reactions, such as pentafluoroethylation.