Iron(II) complexes are suitable catalysts for the isomerization of trifluoromethylated allylic alcohols. Synthesis of trifluoromethylated dihydrochalcones

We demonstrated that iron(II) complexes can substitute platinum metals as well as iron(0) carbonyls for the isomerization of γ-trifluoromethylated allylic alcohols into β-trifluoromethylated ketones. In particular, iron(II)-tetra(isonitrile) complexes were employed for the synthesis of a series of trifluoromethylated dihydrochalcones variously decorated on each aromatic ring.