2-Pyrones, pyridones and quinolones represent classes of molecules with remarkable and diverse biological activity. The introduction of a trifluoromethyl group to a molecule can have dramatic and beneficial effects in terms of lipophilicity and bioavailability. Herein we report a route to afford a library of novel trifluoromethylated 2-pyrones, 2-pyridones and a 2-quinolone in moderate to good yield using methyl fluorosulfonyldifluoroacetate as the trifluoromethylating agent. (C) 2015 Published by Elsevier Ltd.