Negishi Cross Coupling Route to N-Unsubstituted α,α-Difluorohomophthalimides

The preparation of α,α-difluorohomophthalimides by Cu(I)-catalyzed cross coupling of 2-haloterephthalamides with the α,α-di­fluoro Reformatsky reagent is reported. The reaction proceeds in good to excellent yields (70-93%) under mild conditions for a variety of 2-iodoarylamides bearing diverse functionalities and represents a non-F+ approach for the synthesis of fluorinated heterocyclic compounds.