Synthesis of diaryldifluoromethanes by Pd-catalyzed difluoroalkylation of arylboronic acids

Abstract

Diaryldifluoromethanes constitute a distinct class of fluorinated compounds in medicinal chemistry. But only limited methods to access this structural motif have been reported. Herein, we demonstrate the first example of Pd-catalyzed aryldifluoromethylation of arylboronic acids with readily available aryldifluoromethyl bromides. Because of its high efficiency, excellent functional group compatibility, and mild reaction conditions, this protocol provides a facile access to diaryldifluoromethanes. Preliminary mechanistic studies revealed that a Pd(0)L_n-initiated single electron transfer (SET) pathway is involved in the catalytic cycle.