Nickel-catalyzed hydrodefluorination/deuterodefluorination of CF3-alkenes with formic acid

Abstract

The synthesis of deuterated gem-difluoroalkenes via selective deuterodefluorination of β-CF₃-cinnamates using a nickel catalyst has been reported for the first time. Commercially available deuterated formic acid is a cheap and convenient deuterium source. The nickel-catalyst showed high selectivity for monodefluorination and avoided competitive reactions such as multiple defluorination or hydrogenation.