Trifluoroacetylation in Organic Synthesis: Reagents, Developments and Applications in the Construction of Trifluoromethylated Compounds

This review covers the trifluoroacetylation reaction in organic synthesis and its importance for the construction of trifluoromethylated compounds. Developed reagents for trifluoroacetylation are described, as well as their characteristics and preparation, giving emphasis on their applications and limitations in organic synthesis. Trifluoroacetylation, although commonly employed for the protection of functional groups (amines, alcohols, thiols), may be a useful tool for the further introduction of a trifluoromethyl group into an organic molecule. Its application, mainly in the synthesis of trifluoromethyl-heterocycles such as benzothiadiazines, pyrazoles, benzodiazepines, thieno-thiazines, isoxazoles and pyrimidines, is also covered.