Trichloroethylene in organic synthesis

The literature data on the chemistry of trichloroethylene are surveyed. Reactions involving the addition of inorganic and organic reagents to trichloroethylene are examined and cycloaddition reactions with participation of trichloroethylene are classified. A systematic account is given of the reactions of trichloroethylene with various nucleophiles occurring with the substitution of 1–3 chlorine atoms by nucleophilic residues. The elimination and oxidation reactions of trichloroethylene as well as aspects of the practical application of its derivatives are considered. The analysis demonstrated the extensive possibilities for the synthesis of polyfunctional organic compounds of various classes from trichloroethylene. The bibliography includes 310 references.