Highly efficient synthesis of aryl and heteroaryl trifluoromethyl ketones via o-iodobenzoic acid (IBX)

A two-step process for the synthesis of aryl and heteroaryl trifluoromethyl ketones from the corresponding aldehydes is described. Trifluoromethyl alcohols were prepared from aryl and heteroaryl aldehydes in excellent yields using catalytic amount of K2CO3. The trifluoromethyl alcohols were then oxidized conveniently and efficiently by o-iodoxybenzoic acid (IBX) under mild conditions to get the desired functionalized aryl and heteroaryl trifluoromethyl ketones.