CarbonCarbon Bond Cleavage with Inversion of Configuration: Conversion of (<i>R</i>)‐(+)‐1‐Methoxytetrafluoropropionic Acid to (<i>S</i>)‐(−)‐1,2,2,2‐Tetrafluoroethyl Methyl Ether

Abstract

Nearly complete inversion of configuration is seen during decarboxylation of the potassium salt 1 of an α-chiral carboxylic acid to give ether 2. Since 2 is an intermediate in the synthesis of inhalational anesthetics, and its enantiomers may have different pharmacological profiles, the determination of the stereochemical outcome of this CC bond cleavage is of particular interest.