Synthesis of salicylates from anionically activated aromatic trifluoromethyl group

An efficient approach to salicylates via a novel transformation of anionically activated aromatic trifluoromethyl group is described. Anionically activated trifluoromethyl group can react with phenols/alcohols under alkaline conditions to afford aryl/alkyl salicylates in high yields. Mechanism studies indicate that the carbonyl oxygen atom of ester is from the H2O in the solvent.