Enantioenriched Quaternary α-Pentafluoroethyl Derivatives of Alkyl 1-Indanone-2-Carboxylates

An electrophilic enantioselective catalytic method for the a-pentafluoroethylation of alkyl 1-indanone-2-carboxylates is described. Under the use of La(OTf)₃ in combination with (S,R)-indanyl-pybox ligand good results in terms of yield and enantioselectivities were achieved (up to 89% ee). The reaction proceeds under mild conditions leading to the formation of enantioenriched quaternary centers. This methodology uses an hypervalent iodine(III)-CF₂CF₃ reagent and mechanistic investigations are consistent with the involvement of a radical pathway.