Direct Difluoromethylenation of Carbonyl Compounds by Using TMSCF3: The Right Conditions

A deoxygenative difluoromethylenation of carbonyl compounds has been developed by using readily available, inexpensive trifluoromethyltrimethylsilane, LiI, and PPh3. The presence of the Li+ ion prevents the unproductive exhaustion of trifluoromethyltrimethylsilane (TMSCF3) by keeping the soluble free fluoride concentration in the reaction medium under control. The strategy of combining solvents to increase the reactivity and thereby reduce the reaction temperature and time is disclosed.