A simple synthesis of 5-(trifluoromethyl) cyclohexane-1, 3-dione and 3-amino-5- (trifluoromethyl) cyclohex-2-en-1-one from the sodium salt of methyl or ethyl-4-hydroxy-2- oxo-6-(trifluoromethyl) cyclohex-3-en-1-oate is demonstrated. The compounds represent highly functionalized reactive intermediates for the synthesis of organic and heterocyclic compounds containing a trifluoromethyl group.
