A novel and simple synthetic route to perfluoroalkylacetaldehydes using commercially available alkali halides and metal oxides

Treatment of 1-acetoxy-1-iodo-2-perfluoroalkylethanes with aqueous alkali halides or neat metal oxides is presented as instead of via an innovative and highly accessible route to the synthesis of perfluoroalkylethanals. The reaction uses commercially available reactants and does not require the addition of any organic solvent.