A simple synthesis of 5-(trifluoromethyl)cyclohexane-1,3-dione and 3-amino-5-(trifluoromethyl)cyclohex-2-en-1-one from the sodium salt of methyl or ethyl-4-hydroxy-2-oxo-6-(trifluoromethyl)cyclohex-3-en-1-oate is demonstrated. The compounds represent highly functionalized reactive intermediates for the synthesis of organic and heterocyclic compounds containing a trifluoromethyl group.