Activation of acrylate-moiety by strain and fluoroalkyl substitution in 4-chloro-3,3,4-trifluoromethoxycarbonyl cyclobutene

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/0040-4039(91)80494-Q

A two step preparation is reported for the title cyclobutene derivative 3 starting from 2-phenylthioacrylate 1 and chlorotrifluoroethylene followed by oxidative elimination. Strain and polarity facilitate reactions with nucleophiles, radicals, dienes and diazoalkanes.