Methods for the Synthesis of α,α‐Difluoroketones

Abstract

α,α‐Difluoroketones are valuable compounds and can be used as synthetic intermediates for the synthesis of fluorinated molecules, but they also have a direct application in medicinal chemistry, particularly as inhibitors for hydrolytic enzymes. This Microreview will summarize the major methods currently available for the synthesis of α,α‐difluoroketones, highlighting methods involving direct C–F bond formation, as well as those using pre‐difluorinated building blocks.