# Synthesis of 2,2-difluoro-1,3-diketone and 2,2-difluoro-1,3-ketoester derivatives using fluorine gas

## TL;DR

This paper describes a new method to synthesize difluoro compounds using fluorine gas and quinuclidine.

## Contribution

A novel synthetic approach using fluorine gas and quinuclidine to produce 2,2-difluoro-1,3-dicarbonyl derivatives is introduced.

## Key findings

- 1,3-diketones and 1,3-ketoester derivatives react with fluorine to form 2,2-difluoro-1,3-dicarbonyl derivatives.
- Quinuclidine generates a fluoride ion and an electrophilic N–F agent that facilitate the reaction.

## Abstract

Solutions of 1,3-diketones and 1,3-ketoester derivatives react with fluorine to give the corresponding 2,2-difluoro-1,3-dicarbonyl derivatives in the presence of quinuclidine. Quinuclidine reacts with fluorine in situ to generate a fluoride ion that facilitates limiting enolization processes, and an electrophilic N–F fluorinating agent that is reactive towards neutral enol species.