On the reactions of trifluorovinylsilanes with aromatic ketones – Expected and some unexpected results

The reactions of aromatic ketones with trialkyl(trifluorovinyl)silanes in the presence of fluoride ions were studied. The conditions for the selective addition of trialkyl(trifluorovinyl)silanes to the carbonyl function of aromatic ketones in the presence of cesium fluoride and absence of any solvents to form the trifluorovinyl containing “silylated” alcohols have been worked out. The analogous reactions in common organic solvents are not terminated on the stage of “silylated” alcohols formation; consecutive reactions lead to fluorinated olefins and acids under the influence of fluoride ions.