Cycloaddition reactions of β-trifluoroacetylvinyl ethers

β-Trifluoroacetyl vinyl ethers ROCHCHCOCF3 react smoothly as dienophiles with α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds to give the unexpected 2-alkoxyl-5-trifluoroacetyl-3,4-dihydro-2H pyrans. These products are formed by elimination and addition of the alcohol to the products of the normal hetero Diels–Alder reaction (2-alkoxyl-3-trifluoroacetyl-2,3-dihydro-2H pyrans). In contrast, 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of ROCHCHCOCF3 with ArCHN(O)Me proceeds via a Z-endo transition state to give regio- and stereospecific 4-trifluoroacetyl substituted isoxazolidines and their derivatives.