Reduction of trichloromethyl to gem-dichloromethyl group with triphenylphosphine and water in ethyl acetateethyl Compounds Promoted by Triphenylphosphine/water

Abstract

A novel and efficient way of reducing trichloromethyl to gem-dichloromethyl compounds using environmentally friendly conditions has been developed. This reduction process consists of the treatment of a trichloromethyl compound with water and triphenylphosphine using ethyl acetate as solvent. This reaction proceeds in good yield when a strong electron-withdrawing group is attached to the trichloromethyl derivative.