Abstract: The invention includes methods for preparing halohydrins and epoxides. A method of preparing halohydrins can include exposing (R1CHXCH2O—)2SO2 to R2COOH to produce R1CHXCH2COOR2 and hydrolyzing the R1CHXCH2COOR2 to produce the halohydrin R1CHXCH2OH. R1 and R2 can be the same or different single elements and/or organic groups and X can be a halogen. A method of preparing an epoxide can include combining a sulfuric acid containing solution with a halogen to produce a first mixture and exposing the first mixture to trifluoropropene to produce a second mixture. The second mixture can be combined with acetic acid to produce an acetyl halohydrin of trifluoropropene and the acetyl halohydrin can be hydrolyzed to form a halohydrin of trifluoropropene. The halohydrin can be converted to a trifluoropropyl epoxide.

Abstract: The invention provides alkene fluoroalkanol and fluorinated polyol precursors to fluoroalkanol-substituted ?,?-unsaturated esters. The fluoroalkanol-substituted ?,?-unsaturated esters are olefins that can be readily polymerized to provide fluoroalkanol-substituted polymers useful in lithographic photoresist compositions. Also provided are methods for synthesizing the alkene fluoroalkanol and fluorinated polyol precursors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a compound represented by formula (2): [CF3(CF2)n][CF3(CF2)m]C(OH)2 ??(2) wherein n and m independently represent 0 to 10, the method comprising reacting with a halogen or a halogen-containing oxidizing agent a salt of a compound represented by formula (1): [CF3(CF2)n][CF3(CF2)m]C(OH)COOH ??(1) wherein n and m independently represent 0 to 10.

Abstract: There is provided a derivatized conductive monomer and polymer made therefrom. The derivatized monomer has a fluorinated acid substituent. There are also provided electronic devices having a buffer layer containing the polymer.

Abstract: Provided is a process of obtaining 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoro-2-propanol (“HFIP”) from a composition comprising an HFIP hydrolyzable precursor. The HFIP hydrolyzable precursor is a compound, other than sevoflurane itself, that has an intact 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoroisopropoxy moiety[(CF3)2CHO—], and contains one or more moieties susceptible to acidic hydrolysis, such that HFIP is released upon such treatment. The process is useful, among other things, for recovering HFIP from waste streams associated with the synthesis of the inhalation anesthetic, fluoromethyl 2,2,2-trifluoro-1-(trifluoromethyl)ethyl ether (“sevoflurane”). The process includes heating the composition with a strong protic acid to a temperature effective to hydrolyze at least some of the HFIP hydrolyzable precursor to HFIP, and then isolating the HFIP from the heated composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing an optically active ?-fluorocarboxylate derivative represented by the formula [2], by reacting an optically active ?-hydroxycarboxylate derivative with trifluoromethanesulfonyl fluoride (CF3SO2F) in the presence of an organic base, in the formula [2], R represents a straight-chain or branched-chain alkyl group of a carbon number of 1 to 12; one of or two by any combination of aromatic hydrocarbon groups, unsaturated hydrocarbon groups, straight-chain or branched alkoxy groups of a carbon number of 1 to 6, aryloxy groups, halogen atoms (fluorine, chlorine, bromine and iodine), protected carboxyl groups, protected amino groups or protected hydroxyl group can be substituted on any carbon atoms of the alkyl group; R1 represents a straight-chain or branched-chain alkyl group of a carbon number of 1 to 8; any carbon atoms of the alkyl groups of R and R1 may form a covalent bond; and * represents an asymmetric carbon.

Abstract: 1,1,1,3,3,3-Hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP) substantially free of 1,1,1-trifluoroacetone (TFA) can be separated from a mixture containing both compounds by A) catalytic reduction with hydrogen followed by fractional distillation; B) cooling to a temperature at which HFIP freezes and TFA remains liquid; C) forming a high boiling complex comprising HF and TFA followed by fractional distillation; or D) producing HF-free conditions to yield a HFIP/TFA azeotrope followed by fractional distillation. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract, which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR § 1.72(b).

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing an optically active fluoro compound represented by formula (3) through reaction between a specific fluoroamine and an optically active diol; and a process for producing an optically active fluoroalcohol through hydrolysis of the optically active fluoro compound. According to the process of the present invention, such optically active fluoro compounds and optically active fluoroalcohols can be produced at high optical purity and high yield in a simple manner.

Abstract: Fluoroalcohol compounds of formula (4) are prepared by reacting a fluorine compound of formula (1) with reducing agents or organometallic reagents of formulas (2) and (3) wherein R1 is H or a monovalent C1-C20 hydrocarbon group in which any —CH2— moiety may be replaced by —O— or —C(?O)—, R2 is H or a monovalent C1-C6 hydrocarbon group, R3 and R4 are H or a monovalent C1-C8 hydrocarbon group, and M1 is Li, Na, K, Mg, Zn, Al, B, or Si. From the fluoroalcohol compounds, fluorinated monomers can be produced in a simple and economic way, which are useful in producing polymers for the formulation of radiation-sensitive resist compositions.

Abstract: A method for producing 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol in which a ?-hydroxybutyric acid salt is reacted with 1,1,1-trifluoro-2-chloroethane to generate 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol is provided. This method leads to increased yields of 2,2,2 -trifluoroethanol, facilitates the separation of salt byproducts and allows the recycling of an aprotic polar solvent. The present invention concerns a method for producing 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol in which a ?-hydroxybutyric acid salt is reacted with 1,1,1-trifluoro-2-chloroethane in an aprotic polar solvent to generate 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol. This method is characterized in that the ?-hydroxybutyric acid salt used contains no more than 6 wt % of 4,4?-oxybis(butyric acid).

Abstract: A process for producing a fluorine-containing 2,4-diol represented by the formula [4], wherein R1 represents a hydrogen atom or an acyclic or cyclic alkyl group having a carbon atom number of 1 to 7; R2 represents an acyclic or cyclic alkyl group having a carbon atom number of 1 to 7; and R1 and R2 are optionally bonded to each other to form a ring, includes reducing a hydroxy ketone represented by the formula [3], wherein R1 and R2 are defined as above, by hydrogen in the presence of a ruthenium catalyst.

Abstract: The present invention has an object to provide a method for purifying a fluorinated hydroxyl compound of the formula 1 safely in a high yield under industrially practical conditions. Namely, a mixture containing a fluorinated hydroxyl compound of Rf—CR1R2—OH (Formula 1, wherein Rf is a C1-20 polyfluoroalkyl group, and each of R1 and R2 is a hydrogen atom or a C1-3 alkyl group) such as 2,2,3,3-tetrafluoropropanol, and a compound having an unshared electron pair, is distilled by heating in the presence of a solid acid catalyst such as a cation exchange resin catalyst, or by adding a proton source such as water.

Abstract: Trifluoroethanol can be isolated from organic liquids that are contaminated by trifluoroethanol by bringing the contaminated liquid into contact with a molecular sieve having a pore size ranging between 0.5 and 1.0 nm, e.g., with molecular sieve 13X. This enables, for example, trifluoroacetic acid trifluoroethyl esters, bis(trifluoroethyl)carbonate or trifluoroethyl esters of phosphoric, phosphonic or phosphinic acid to be purified.

Abstract: Provided is a process of obtaining 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoro-2-propanol (“HFIP”) from a composition comprising an HFIP hydrolyzable precursor. The HFIP hydrolyzable precursor is a compound, other than sevoflurane itself, that has an intact 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoroisopropoxy moiety[(CF3)2CHO—], and contains one or more moieties susceptible to acidic hydrolysis, such that HFIP is released upon such treatment. The process is useful, among other things, for recovering HFIP from waste streams associated with the synthesis of the inhalation anesthetic, fluoromethyl 2,2,2-trifluoro-1-(trifluoromethyl)ethyl ether (“sevoflurane”). The process includes heating the composition with a strong protic acid to a temperature effective to hydrolyze at least some of the HFIP hydrolyzable precursor to HFIP, and then isolating the HFIP from the heated composition.

Abstract: A process for preparing a halogenated alcohol comprising hydrolyzing a halogenated precursor of the halogenated alcohol in water at a temperature near but below the critical point of water. For example, the halogenated alcohol has the formula CF3(CF2)nCH2OH, wherein n is zero or a whole number from 1 to 5, the halogenated precursor has the formula CF3(CF2)nCH2Cl, wherein n is as defined above, and the process comprises hydrolyzing the halogenated precursor in water at a temperature near but below the critical point of water. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the halogenated alcohol has the formula CF3CH2OH, the halogenated precursor has the formula CF3CH2Cl, and the process comprises hydrolyzing CF3CH2Cl in water at a temperature near but below the critical point of water.

Abstract: The present invention has an object to provide a method for purifying a fluorinated hydroxyl compound of the formula 1 safely in a high yield under industrially practical conditions. Namely, a mixture containing a fluorinated hydroxyl compound of Rf—CR1R2—OH (Formula 1, wherein Rf is a C1-20 polyfluoroalkyl group, and each of R1 and R2 is a hydrogen atom or a C1-3 alkyl group) such as 2,2,3,3-tetrafluoropropanol, and a compound having an unshared electron pair, is distilled by heating in the presence of a solid acid catalyst such as a cation exchange resin catalyst, or by adding a proton source such as water.

Abstract: A process for producing a high-purity fluorinated alcohol in a good purification yield, is provided. In a process for producing a fluorinated alcohol, which comprises reacting methanol with tetrafluoroethylene or hexafluoropropylene in the presence of an alkyl peroxide, the reaction liquid after completion of the reaction is distilled in the presence of water and HF to separate it into a fraction containing an alcohol derived from the alkyl peroxide and a bottom liquid containing the fluorinated alcohol, and then, the bottom liquid is purified to recover the fluorinated alcohol.

Abstract: A method for producing fluorinated alcohols from fluorinated alkyl halides can produce fluorinated alcohols at high product yield and at high selectivity in a single-step reaction. The method eliminates the need to use heavy metals and other toxic compounds that are difficult to handle or process. Specifically, the method produces a fluorinated alcohol represented by the following general formula (2): Rf(A)OH??(2) wherein Rf represents a perfluoroalkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms; and A represents a straight-chained or branched saturated hydrocarbon group having 3 to 10 carbon atoms. The method is characterized in that it allows a fluorinated alkyl halide represented by the following general formula (1) to react with an alkali metal salt of 4-hydroxybutyrate in a gamma-butyrolactone solvent: Rf(A)X??(1) wherein Rf and A are as defined above; and X represents a halogen atom.

Abstract: A process for producing a fluoroalkanol which can easily be industrially practiced with high selectivity, is provided. CHR1R2OH, a radical initiator and CF2?CFRf are continuously supplied and reacted at from 105 to 135° C., and H—(RfCFCF2)n—CR1R2—OH formed, is continuously discharged. Here, each of R1 and R2 is a hydrogen atom or a C1-3 alkyl group, Rf is a fluorine atom or a C1-4 polyfluoroalkyl group, and n is an integer of from 1 to 4.

Abstract: A catalyst for preparing a fluorine-containing alcohol compounds, the catalyst is obtained by supporting an ammine complex containing at least one component selected from the group consisting of the elements in Group 1B, Group 2B, Group 6A, Group 7A and Group 8 of the periodic table on at least one complex oxide selected from the group consisting of Si—Al complex oxide, Al—P complex oxides and Si—Al—P complex oxides.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for the preparation of 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol by reacting a &ggr;-hydroxybutyric acid salt with 1,1,1-trifluoro-2-chloroethane which brings about an increase in the yield of 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol and enables easy separation of by-product salts and recovery and recycling of an aprotic polar solvent. The invention relates to a process for the preparation of 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol by reacting a &ggr;-hydroxybutyric acid salt with 1,1,1-trifluoro-2-chloroethane in an aprotic polar solvent, characterized by using a &ggr;-hydroxybutyric acid salt having a 4,4′-oxydibutyric acid content of 6 wt % or below.

Abstract: The subject invention relates to a process for the trifluoromethylation of sulfates, including cyclic and acyclic sulfates. The subject invention further pertains to the compounds produced by the trifluoromethylation of sulfates.

Abstract: A process for preparing a halogenated alcohol comprising hydrolyzing a halogenated precursor of the halogenated alcohol in water at a temperature near but below the critical point of water. For example, the halogenated alcohol has the formula CF3(CF2)nCH2OH, wherein n is zero or a whole number from 1 to 5, the halogenated precursor has the formula CF3(CF2)nCH2Cl, wherein n is as defined above, and the process comprises hydrolyzing the halogenated precursor in water at a temperature near but below the critical point of water. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the halogenated alcohol has the formula CF3CH2OH, the halogenated precursor has the formula CF3CH2Cl, and the process comprises hydrolyzing CF3CH2Cl in water at a temperature near but below the critical point of water.

Abstract: The method for preparing 2,2,3,4,4,4-hexafluoro-1-butanol includes reacting methanol and hexafluoropropene in the presence of a free radical initiator such as di-isopropyl peroxydicarbonate at 25-50° C. and a pressure of 100-300 psi in an autoclave. An inert gas such as nitrogen and argon is added to the autoclave when the pressure is lower than 100 psi in the course of the reaction.

Abstract: A process for producing a fluoroalkanol of high purity containing little evaporation residue, which can be industrially easily carried out with high selectivity, is provided. In the process, a radial initiator and CF2═CFR3 (formula 3) are continuously added to CHR1R2—OH (Formula 2) to react them to form H—(CFR3CF2)n—CR1R2—OH (formula 1). In the formulae, n is an integer of from 1 to 4, each of R1 and R2 is a hydrogen atom or a C1-3 alkyl group, and R3 is a fluorine atom or a C1-4 perfluoroalkyl group.

Abstract: The method for preparing 2,2,3,4,4,4-hexafluoro-1-butanol includes reacting methanol and hexafluoropropene in the presence of a free radical initiator such as di-isopropyl peroxydicarbonate at 25-50° C. and a pressure of 100-300 psi in an autoclave. An inert gas such as nitrogen and argon is added to the autoclave when the pressure is lower than 100 psi in the course of the reaction.

Abstract: An &agr;-haloalcohol is made by hydrogenating an &agr;-haloketone with a hydrogenating agent in the presence of a transition metal-containing heterogeneous catalyst, under conditions such that an &agr;-haloalcohol is formed. The reaction is particularly useful, for example, in a process to make epoxides which may be generally prepared by: (a) reducing an &agr;-haloketone with a hydrogenating agent to form an &agr;-haloalcohol; and (b) cyclizing the &agr;-haloalcohol with base to make an epoxide.

Abstract: Provided are methods of producing fluorinated alcohols from non-perfluorinated fluoroolefins and methanol. Certain preferred embodiments of such methods involve advantageously reacting a non-perfluorinated fluoroolefin with methanol under ambient-pressure and/or low-temperature conditions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a catalyst for preparing a fluorine-containing alcohol compound, the catalyst having at least one component selected from elements in Group 1B, Group 2B, Group 6A, Group 7A and Group 8 of the periodic table, ions of these elements, oxides containing these elements, hydroxides containing these elements and salts containing these elements, said component being supported on at least one complex oxide selected from Si—Al complex oxides, Al—P complex oxides and Si—Al—P complex oxides; and a method for preparing a fluorine-containing alcohol compound, the method comprising reacting a halogenated fluorine compound with water in the presence of the catalyst. According to the present invention, a fluorine-containing alcohol compound can be prepared at a relatively low reaction temperature and in a high yield.

Abstract: A process for producing a fluoroalkanol which can easily be industrially practiced with high selectivity, is provided.

Abstract: A process for producing a high-purity fluorinated alcohol in a good purification yield, is provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a class of phenoxy fluoro-alcohols, their preparation, and their use as phase modifiers and solvating agents in a solvent composition for the extraction of cesium from alkaline solutions. These phenoxy fluoro-alcohols comply with the formula: in which n=2 to 4; X represents a hydrogen or a fluorine atom, and R2-R6 are hydrogen or alkyl substituents. These phenoxy fluoro-alcohol phase modifiers are a necessary component to a robust solvent composition and process useful for the removal of radioactive cesium from alkaline nuclear waste streams. The fluoro-alcohols can also be used in solvents designed to extract other cesium from acidic or neutral solutions.

Abstract: The present invention has an object to provide a method for purifying a fluorinated hydroxyl compound of the formula 1 safely in a high yield under industrially practical conditions. Namely, a mixture containing a fluorinated hydroxyl compound of Rf—CR1R2—OH (Formula 1, wherein Rf is a C1-20 polyfluoroalkyl group, and each of R1 and R2 is a hydrogen atom or a C1-3 alkyl group) such as 2,2,3,3-tetrafluoropropanol, and a compound having an unshared electron pair, is distilled by heating in the presence of a solid acid catalyst such as a cation exchange resin catalyst, or by adding a proton source such as water.

Abstract: The subject-matter of the invention is a fluorinated diol and its process of preparation. The fluorinated diol corresponds to the formula (I): CnF2n+1—A—CH2OCH2—C(CH2OH)2—R in which n has a value from 2 to 20 and A means —CH═CH— or —CH2CH2— and R is an alkyl group comprising 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fluorinated alcohol for manufacturing an optical recording medium that is superior in the characteristics and weatherability, and an optical recording medium having an organic dye layer formed by using the fluorinated alcohol. A fluorinated alcohol for manufacturing an optical recording medium having an organic dye layer and a reflecting layer in this order on a light-transmittable substrate, wherein a content of a high-boiling-point fluorinated alcohol with a boiling point of not less than 120° C. is 0.001% by weight or less. An optical recording medium is provided with an organic dye layer formed by using the ultra-high purity fluorinated alcohol.

Abstract: Methods for producing perfluorocarbon monomethanols or dimethanols are disclosed. The methods of the invention can provide branched perfluorocarbon monomethanols or dimethanols with good purity and yields.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of producing fluorinated alcohols which find particular use in the syntheses of pharmaceutical drugs. The methods comprise generally, the steps of (a) reacting a halogenated alkane with an alkyl vinyl ether to form an unsaturated halogenated aldehyde; (b) reducing the unsaturated halogenated aldehyde to form an unsaturated halogenated alcohol; and (c) reducing the unsaturated halogenated alcohol to form a fluorinated alcohol.

Abstract: The present invention has an object to provide a method for purifying a fluorinated hydroxyl compound of the formula 1 safely in a high yield under industrially practical conditions. Namely, a mixture containing a fluorinated hydroxyl compound of Rf—CR1R2—OH (Formula 1, wherein Rf is a C1-20 polyfluoroalkyl group, and each of R1 and R2 is a hydrogen atom or a C1-3 alkyl group) such as 2,2,3,3-tetrafluoropropanol, and a compound having an unshared electron pair, is distilled by heating in the presence of a solid acid catalyst such as a cation exchange resin catalyst, or by adding a proton source such as water.

Abstract: A process for producing a fluoroalkanol of high purity containing little evaporation residue, which can be industrially easily carried out with high selectivity, is provided. In the process, a radial initiator and CF2═CFR3 (formula 3) are continuously added to CHR1R2—OH (Formula 2) to react them to form H—(CFR3CF2)n—CR1R2—OH (formula 1). In the formulae, n is an integer of from 1 to 4, each of R1 and R2 is a hydrogen atom or a C1-3 alkyl group, and R3 is a fluorine atom or a C1-4 perfluoroalkyl group.

Abstract: A method for producing a fluoroalcohol of the following formula 1a, which comprises reacting a compound of the following formula 1 with water in a liquid phase at a temperature of 150° C. or higher under a gauge pressure of 0.4 MPa or higher: wherein n is an integer of from 1 to 5, X is a chlorine atom, a bromine atom or an iodine atom, p is an integer of at least 1, and R is a p-valent organic group, provided that when p is 1, R may be a hydrogen atom or a halogen atom.

Abstract: The invention provide a method for producing a fluoroalcohol of the following formula (1): H(CFR1CF2)nCH2OH  (1) (wherein R1 represents F or CF3, when n=1; R1 represents F, when n=2) comprising reacting methanol with tetrafluoroethylene or hexafluoropropylene in the presence of a free radical source, wherein the reaction mixture is subjected to distillation either in the presence of a base or after contact of said reaction mixture with a base.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for the reaction of a perfluoroalkyl iodide of the formula CF3(CF2)h—I, where h is an integer from 4 to 18, with a compound having a terminal olefinic group, which comprises conducting said reaction in an aqueous medium containing 5 to 40% by weight of a water-soluble solvent and in the presence of from 0.02 to 0.5 equivalents of dithionite ion, based on the perfluoroalkyl iodide, at a temperature of from 0 to 40° C. and at a pH greater than 7.0.

Abstract: Novel mixtures of perfluoroalkyl halides and derivatives thereof are described. These mixtures contain some compounds with a straight perfluoroalkyl group and some with a branched perfluoroalkyl group. Methods of preparation and use are also described.

Abstract: A process for making 2,3-dihalopropanol including reacting 2,3-dihalopropanal with a hydrogenating agent in the presence of an iridium and a second transition metal mixed metal catalyst where the second transition metal is selected from the group comprising ruthenium, iron, molybdenum, tungsten, rhenium, osmium, manganese or vanadium, under conditions such that 2,3-dihalopropanol is formed. The 2,3-dihalopropanol is particularly useful in a process for making epihalohydrin.

Abstract: In a method for recovering a fluoroalcohol from a mixture comprising a fluoroalcohol and water, (i) a method for recovering a fluoroalcohol by distilling the mixture comprising the fluoroalcohol and water to separate water as an azeotropic or azeotrope-like composition; and (ii) a method for recovering a fluoroalcohol, wherein water is separated by pervaporation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a fluoroalcohol represented by formula (1) H(CFR1CF2)nCH2OH  (1) (wherein R1 represents F or CF3, when n=1; R1 represents F, when n=2) by reacting methanol with tetrafluoroethylene or hexafluoropropylene in the presence of a free radical generator, wherein the method comprises the steps of: feeding a reaction mixture into a distillation column; distilling off methanol from the top of the distillation column; withdrawing a bottom fraction comprising the fluoroalcohol from the bottom of the distillation column; removing a fraction comprising water and HF from the distillation column by side cut; feeding methanol from the top of the distillation column back into a reactor for recycling; and purifying the bottom fraction to recover the fluoroalcohol represented by formula (1).

Abstract: In a method for recovering a fluorine-containing solvent from the mixture comprising the fluorine-containing solvent and dyes, (i) a method for recovering a fluorine-containing solvent by distillation; and (ii) a method for recovering a fluorine-containing solvent comprising the steps of adding to the mixture the second solvent which uniformly mixes with the fluorine-containing solvent but does not dissolve the dyes; separating a precipitate from the resulting mixture; and separating the second solvent.

Abstract: A process for producing a fluoroalcohol of the following formula (1) H(CFR1CF2)nCH2OH  (1) (n=1 or 2, wherein R1 represents F or CF3 when n=1; R1 represents F when n=2) comprising reacting methanol with tetrafluoroethylene or hexafluoropropylene in the presence of an initiator wherein the fluoroalcohol of formula (1) is distilled after decomposing the remaining initiator contained in the reaction mixture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of trifluoromethylated derivatives of the formula CF.sub.3 CCl.dbd.CHCH.sub.2 OC(.dbd.O)R, wherein R is unsubstituted or substituted C.sub.1 to C.sub.6 straight chain or branched alkyl, unsubstituted or substituted C.sub.3 to C.sub.7 cycloalkyl, unsubstituted or substituted C.sub.2 to C.sub.12 alkenyl, a benzyl group unsubstituted or substituted with R', a phenyl group unsubstituted or substituted with R'; R' is an unsubstituted or substituted C.sub.1 to C.sub.6 straight chain or branched alkyl; and wherein where R and/or R' are substituted each is substituted with R', by reaction of HCFC-353 with carboxylic acid salts. The trifluoromethylated derivatives, particularly CF.sub.3 CCl.dbd.CHCH.sub.2 OC(.dbd.O)CH.sub.3, are versatile intermediates for the synthesis of a wide variety of trifluoromethylated organic compounds, which find utility as pharmaceuticals, agricultural chemicals, and materials such as liquid crystals.

Abstract: A process for preparing an optically active alcohol by reacting a prochiral ketone corresponding to the optically active alcohol and an acid with a mixture of (1) a boron-containing compound selected from the group consisting of i) a borane compound which is obtained from an optically active .beta.-aminoalcohol and a boron hydride; or obtained from the optically active .beta.-aminoalcohol, a metal borohydride and an acid and ii) an optically active oxazaborolidine and (2) a metal borohydride; and a process for preparing an optically active amine by reacting an oxime derivative and an acid with a mixture of (1) a boron-containing compound selected from the group consisting of i) a borane compound which is obtained from an optically active .beta.-aminoalcohol and a boron hydride, or obtained from said optically active .beta.-aminoalcohol, a metal borohydride and an acid and ii) an optically active oxazaborolidine, and (2) a metal borohydride.