Short, stereoselective syntheses of α-fluoroalkenoate derivatives, α-fluoroenones and α-fluoroenals from HFC-134a

Readily-available 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (Klea HFC-134a) can be converted, via a two-pot sequence into a range of Z-α-fluoroalkenoyl derivatives following addition reactions to aldehydes. Reaction adducts can be processed into enals and enones upon hydride reduction or Grignard reagent addition in high yield.