1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethyl-N,N-dimethylamine:: a new selective fluorinating agent

The title compound has been prepared in 96-98% yield by the reaction of tetrafluoroethylene and dimethylamine. 1,1,2,2-Tetrafluoroethyl-N,N-dimethylamine (1) is found to be an effective reagent for the conversion of alcohols into alkyl fluorides. Reaction of 1 and primary alcohols proceeds with high yield formation of the corresponding alkyl fluorides at elevated temperature. However, the reaction of secondary and tertiary alcohols rapidly takes place at 0-10 degreesC, producing corresponding alkyl fluorides as major product along with some olefins. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.