Rh(I)-Catalyzed Reaction of Trifluoromethylketone N-Tosylhydrazones and Arylboronates.

Rh(I)-Catalyzed synthesis of 1,1-difluoro-2,2-diarylalkenes from trifluoromethylketone N-tosylhydrazones and arylboronates is presented in this communication. This new synthetic method is based on the Rh(I)-carbene migratory insertion followed by β-fluoride elimination. In one particular case the protonation occurs instead of β-fluoride elimination, affording 2,2-diaryl trifluoroethane product.