Nucleophilic <i>gem</i>‐Difluoro(phenylsulfanyl)methylation of Carbonyl Compounds with PhSCF₂H in the Presence of a Phosphazene as a Base

Abstract

Abstract Direct nucleophilic gem ‐difluoro(phenylsulfanyl)methylation of carbonyl compounds has been achieved by use of difluoro(phenylsulfanyl)methane (PhSCF 2 H) and the phosphazene base P 4 ‐ t Bu in THF. Non‐enolizable aldehydes and ketones are suitable substrates to undergo nucleophilic gem ‐difluoro(phenylsulfanyl)methylation, providing α‐ gem ‐difluoromethylated adducts in good yields. In addition, this methodology is also applicable with cyclic imides and acid anhydrides.