Synthesis of gem-Difluoroalkenes via β-Fluoride Elimination of Organorhodium(I)

Abstract Treatment of α-(trifluoromethyl)styrenes with arylboronic esters and MeMgCl in the presence of a rhodium(I) catalyst affords gem-difluoroalkenes. The reaction proceeds through the addition of arylrhodium(I) species across the electron-deficient carbon–carbon double bond and the subsequent β-fluoride elimination.