Nickel and Copper Catalyzed ipso-Phosphonodifluoromethylation of Arylboronic Acids with BrCF₂P(O)(OEt)₂ for the Synthesis of Phosphonodifluoromethylarenes

A convenient method for the direct ipso-phosphonodifluoromethylation of arylboronic acids via nickel-copper co-catalysis is disclosed. This work, which utilizes inexpensive first row transition metals, represents a facile alternative to the traditional palladium catalyzed approach. The method utilizes inexpensive commodity chemicals and substrates while tolerating a variety of biologically relevant functional groups. Structurally diverse phosphonodifluoromethylarenes are furnished in good yields under short reaction times. Control experiments to probe possible reaction pathways are also included.