A three-step synthesis of 1-bromo-3-trifluoromethylbut-2-ene in 54% ov
erall yield is reported starting from 1,1,1-trifluoroacetone. The elec
trophilic reactivity of this compound towards various nucleophiles has
been studied. Thus, for example, condensation with the sodium salt of
diethyl malonate gave ethyl 2-carboethoxy-5-trifluoromethylhex-4-enoa
te in 66% yield.