We
have identified a new reactivity of copper/diamine catalysis
for the reductive ring-cleavage of isoxazoles to yield fluoroalkylated
enaminones. This protocol has the advantage of using commercially
available reagents, ease of setting up, broad tolerance of functionality,
and is regiospecific and free of defluorination and reduction of reducible
functional groups. The utility was demonstrated by a one-step, regioselective
synthesis of fluoroalkylated pyrazole-based drugs such as celecoxib,
deracoxib, and mavacoxib.