Discussion A reaction mechanism is needed to explain the usual group of products from the reaction of orthoformates with perhalo ketones. The reactions are not solvent dependent, and, in fact, high yields of most of the products are obtained without solvent. Free-radical reactions are not involved, since addition of initiators such as di-t-butyl peroxide or inhibitors such as hydroquinone or 2, 2-diphenyl-l-picrylhydrazyl did not alter the yield of Ia.
