Nickel-Catalyzed Difluoromethylation of Arylboronic Acids with Bromodifluoromethane

Although bromodifluoromethane (BrCF2H) is a simple and readily available fluorine source, direct formation of difluoromethylated arenes with BrCF2H has not been reported. Herein, we describe an efficient method to access difluoromethylated arenes through a nickel-catalyzed difluoromethylation of arylboronic acids with BrCF2H. The reaction exhibits high efficiency, good functional group tolerance and broad substrate scope, thus providing an efficient route for applications in drug discovery and development. Preliminary mechanistic studies reveal that a difluoromethyl radical is involved in the reaction.