Stereocontrolled access to unsymmetrical 1,1-diaryl-2-fluoroethenes.

A simple and effective method for stereocontrolled preparation of 1,1-diaryl-2-fluoroethenes is reported. First, 1-aryl-1-bromo-2-fluoroethenes are generated using an addition/elimination reaction of hydride to silylated beta,beta-difluorostyrene derivatives followed by a bromination/desilicobromination reaction. Subsequent Suzuki-Miyaura coupling with a variety of boronic acids gives access to the desired 1,1-diaryl-2-fluoroethenes.