1,1,2,2-Tetrafluoroethyl-N,N-dimethylamine: a new selective fluorinating agent

The title compound has been prepared in 96–98% yield by the reaction of tetrafluoroethylene and dimethylamine. 1,1,2,2-Tetrafluoroethyl-N,N-dimethylamine (1) is found to be an effective reagent for the conversion of alcohols into alkyl fluorides. Reaction of 1 and primary alcohols proceeds with high yield formation of the corresponding alkyl fluorides at elevated temperature. However, the reaction of secondary and tertiary alcohols rapidly takes place at 0–10°C, producing corresponding alkyl fluorides as major product along with some olefins.