Efficient difluoromethylation of isoflavonoids and flavonoid under mild conditions

ABSTRACT

A simple and efficient protocol for difluoromethylation of isoflavones, flavonoids, and coumarins has been developed. The protocol uses readily available, non-ozone-depleting and easy handling BrCF₂PO(OEt)₂ as difluorocarbene precursor. The reaction underwent the formation of difluorocarbene under mild reaction conditions with relatively weak base therefore demonstrates high selectivity. Application of the reaction led to difluoromethylated biologically relevant molecules.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

KEYWORDS:

• Coumarins
• difluorocarbene
• difluoromethylation
• flavonoids
• isoflavones

Additional information

Funding

This work was financially supported by the Young Elite Scientists Sponsorship Program by CAST (No. 2015-41), The National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos. 81260488, 21702241), The Training Programme Foundation for the Talents of the Zun Yi Science and Technology Bureau (No. 2015-40), and Key Programs of Guizhou Province (125 Program, No. 2015-039).