Synthesis of 5-(perfluoroalkylmethyl)-1,3-dioxolan-4-ones

Acid catalysed condensation of F-alkyl α-hydroxy acids with simple aldehydes or ketones gave F-alkyl 1,3-dioxolan-4-ones. When BF3,OEt2 was used as the catalyst, the condensation products were obtained in moderate to good yields and the “cis” isomers are largely favoured, while with HOTs/H2SO4 as catalyst, poor yields and lower stereoselectivities were observed.