Recent Progress toward the Introduction of Functionalized Difluoromethylated Building Blocks onto C(sp2) and C(sp) Centers

Fluorine chemistry is a field undergoing tremendous expansion. Although much attention has been paid to the introduction of the fluorine atom and the CF3 group, less interest has been devoted to the introduction of functionalized fluorinated building blocks, in sharp contrast with the high versatility of the fluorinated products. In this Minireview, the most relevant methods for the introduction of difluoromethylated building blocks are summarized. Access to difluoromethylated arenes, alkenes, and alkynes is highlighted and special attention is paid to explanation of the reaction mechanism.