Halodifluoroacetates as formylation reagents for various amines via unprecedented quadruple cleavage

Unprecedented quadruple cleavage of halodifluoromethyl compounds has been disclosed for the first time, resulting in carbonyl synthons for reaction with various amines. Mechanistic studies suggested that difluorocarbenes were first formed in situ between amines and halodifluoromethyl compounds, and further double C(sp³)–F bond cleavage occurred under basic conditions, resulting in valuable formamides. Late stage modifications were successfully employed on various medicinal drugs.