Trihalocarbinols are useful intermediates in organic synthesis as they can be readily converted into R-amino, R-hydroxy, and R-thio acids. 1, 2 They are usually prepared by base-promoted addition of chloroform to aldehydes/ketones, but to date relatively strong bases have been employed. 3 Potassium tert-butoxide in liquid ammonia at-78 C, 3a sodium in liquid ammonia, 3b or powdered potassium hydroxide in various solvents3c-d, ...
