Efficient and convenient entry to beta-hydroxy-beta-trifluoromethyl-beta-substituted ketones and 2,6-disubstituted 4-trifluoromethylpyridines based on the reaction of trifluoromethyl ketones with enamines or imines

The reactions of trifluoromethyl ketones with enamines or imines are descri bed. The reaction of trifluoroacetone with enamines or imines followed by h ydrolysis gave the corresponding beta -hydroxy-beta -trifluoromethyl-beta - methyl ketones in good yields. The reaction of trifluoromethylated beta -di ketones with enamines in the presence of ammonium acetate gave 4-trifluorom ethylated pyridines exclusively in good yields, without any detectable amou nt of regioisomers.