NF3 for Difluoroamination of Tertiary Lithium Reagents

Abstract

Difluoroamino (NF₂) groups are highly valuable in functional materials-particularly energetic materials-yet efficient and general methods for their direct installation remain largely underdeveloped. Here, we report a mild and practical difluoroamination protocol using nitrogen trifluoride (NF₃), an inexpensive and bench-stable gas, as a NF 2 source for difluoroamination of tertiary organolithium reagents. This method delivers C-NF₂ bonds in high yields (up to 86% isolated) and provides a scalable, safer alternative for incorporating NF₂ groups into complex molecular architectures.