Synthesis of 2-trifluoromethylated 3-pyrrolines/pyrrolidines via [3+2] cycloaddition of azomethine ylides with the participation of 3,3,3-trifluoroalanine

2-Trifluoromethylated 3-pyrrolines and pyrrolidines were synthesized via condensation of 3,3,3-trifluoroalanine with carbonyl compounds, decarboxylative for-mation of azomethine ylides, and the subsequent [3+2] cycloaddition with electron deficient alkynes and alkenes. The reaction proceeded under mild conditions to give the adducts in moderate to good yields. The product 3-pyrroline was successfully converted to the corresponding pyrrole upon treatment with o-iodoxybenzoic acid.