Alkoxide- and hydroxide-induced nucleophilic trifluoromethylation using trifluoromethyl sulfone or sulfoxide.

[reaction: see text] The first alkoxide- and hydroxide-induced nucleophilic trifluoromethylation of carbonyl compounds, disulfides, and other electrophiles, using phenyl trifluoromethyl sulfone 1a (sulfoxide 1b) is reported. The trifluoromethyl sulfone 1a or sulfoxide 1b acts as a "CF(3)(-)" synthon. Both sulfone 1a and sulfoxide 1b are commercially available and can also be conveniently prepared from trifluoromethane. The new methodology provides a convenient route for efficient trifluoromethylation.