Fluoroanalogs of DDT: superacidic BF3-H2O catalyzed facile synthesis of 1,1,1-trifluoro-2,2-diarylethanes and 1,1-difluoro-2,2-diarylethanes.

The one-pot synthesis of 1,1,1-trifluoro- and 1,1-difluoro-2,2-diarylethanes from arenes and fluorinated hemiacetals in the BF(3)-H(2)O system is described. The reaction is simple, clean, and convenient, eliminating the use of organic solvents and other expensive acid systems. BF(3)-H(2)O is economic, is easy to prepare, and offers ample acidity required for this reaction.