Coupling of Trifluoroacetaldehyde N-Triftosylhydrazone with Organoboronic Acids for the Synthesis of gem-Difluoroalkenes.

The synthesis of alkyl gem-difluoroalkenes remains a difficult task in organic synthesis. Here, we report a general and efficient approach for tackling this problem by gem-difluoroolefination of trifluoroacetaldehyde N-triftosylhydrazone with organoboronic acids. This protocol is operationally simple, free of transition metals, and suitable for a broad range of organoboronic acids. Moreover, the utility of the products was demonstrated by further conversion of the gem-difluorovinyl group.