N-Difluoromethylation of imidazoles and benzimidazoles using the Ruppert-Prakash reagent under neutral conditions.

Direct N-difluoromethylation of imidazoles and benzimidazoles has been achieved using TMS-CF3 (the Ruppert–Prakash reagent) under neutral conditions. Difluoromethylated products were obtained in good-to-excellent yields. Inexpensive, commercially available starting materials, neutral conditions, and shorter reaction times are advantages of this methodology. Reactions are accessible through conventional as well as microwave irradiation conditions.