Selective and efficient synthesis of α,α-difluoro ketones was achieved following a protocol which includes the transformation of α-methylene ketones to the corresponding n-butylimine derivatives and their further treatment with SelectfluorTM F-TEDA-BF4 in acetonitrile solution at 80 °C.
halogenation - fluorination - imines - ketones - α,α-difluoro ketones - Selectfluor F-TEDA-BF4