Lithium triethylborohydride-promoted generation of alpha,alpha-difluoroenolates from 2-iodo-2,2-difluoroacetophenones: an unprecedented utilization of lithium triethylborohydride

Lithium triethylborohydride was found to promote the generation of alpha,alpha-difluoroenolates from 2-iodo-2,2-difluoroacetophenones, and applied to the synthesis of polyfluorinated beta-hydroxy ketones via selfcondensation or aldol reaction. The reaction indicates an unprecedented utilization of lithium triethylborohydride and provides novel access to the generation of alpha,alpha-difluoroenolates.