New synthesis of (+)-(S)-halothane

A new synthesis of non-racemic halothane (1-bromo-1-chloro-2,2,2-trifluoroethane) is reported. The stereospecificity of the key reaction, decarboxylation of a salt of optically enriched 1-bromo-1-chloro-2,2,2-trifluoropropionic acid to give halothane, is shown to be highly dependent on the nature of the cation. When the cation is trialkylammonium, a high level of stereospecificity is observed. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.