Fluoroarylation of gem-difluorostyrenes through a Pd-catalysed aryl C-H bond activation cascade

We describe here a novel fluoroarylation of gem-difluorostyrenes with AgF and (hetero)arenes through a Pd(ii)-catalysed C(aryl)-H activation cascade. 9-CF3-substituted fluorenes could be readily obtained through an intramolecular C-H activation/annulation. The challenging intermolecular fluoroarylation of gem-difluorostyrenes could also be achieved with AgF and thiophenes. The reaction obviates the use of pre-functionalised arylating reagents and external ligands, providing an efficient method to access CF3-substituted 1,1-diarylmethanes.