Two new protocols for the efficient synthesis of 2, 2, 2-trichloromethylcarbinols, starting from aromatic aldehydes, have been developed. A combination of sodium trichloroacetate in the presence of malonic acid proved efficient for the transformation of electron deficient aldehydes using DMSO as solvent. Electron-rich aldehydes did, however, not require the addition of malonic acid, affording the desired 2, 2, 2-trichloromethylcarbinols without a ...