Synthesis of difluoromethylated diarylmethanes via Fe(OTf)3-catalyzed Friedel–Crafts reaction of 2,2-difluoro-1-arylethyl phosphates

Abstract

The Fe(OTf)₃-catalyzed Friedel–Crafts reaction of 2,2-difluoro-1-arylethyl phosphates with electron-rich (hetero)arenes afforded difluoromethylated diarylmethanes. Control experiments showed that Fe(OTf)₃ behaves as the Lewis acid, and that the phosphate leaving group and o- or p-alkoxy substituents on the substrates are necessary for the Fe(OTf)₃-catalyzed reaction to proceed under mild conditions.