Trifluoromethylbenzoyl bromide and conversion of same to bromobenzotrifluoride

摘要

A novel compound, trifluoromethylbenzoyl bromide, is formed by bromination of trifluoromethylbenzoic acid with, e.g., phosphorus tribromide or by halogen exchange reaction of trifluoromethylbenzoyl chloride with bromine in the presence of a metal bromide. Decarbonylation of 2-, 3- or 4-trifluoromethylbenozyl bromide using a catalyst such as a phosphine-rhodium complex gives 2-, 3- or 4-bromobenzotrifluoride without forming isomers.