Abstract
In this work, a mild NaBAr(F)-mediated electrophilic trifluoromethylation of nonactivated silyl enol ethers is reported, using an Umemoto-type chloride salt thanks to a reactivity-modulation through its counter-anion. Hence, the key to success is the catalytic generation of a highly reactive Umemoto trifluoromethylating agent with the non-coordinative BAr(F) (24) anion upon in situ anion exchange initiated by catalytic amounts of the commercially available and simple NaBAr(F) (24) salt. This alternative method enables a selective reaction towards α-trifluoromethylated ketones under mild reaction conditions and avoids the use of stoichiometric Sn reagents, offering a practical strategy for embracing further highly demanding substrates in trifluoromethylation reactions.