A convenient method for the synthesis of fluorinated α-cyanoacetates via phase-transfer catalysis

A simple and convenient method for the synthesis of fluorinated α-cyanoacetate derivatives has been developed by using electrophilic fluorination of allyl and benzyl substituted α-cyanoacetates with N-fluorobenzensulfonimide (NFSI) as electrophilic fluorinating agent via phase transfer catalysis. The reaction is transition metal free and carried out in aqueous and mild reaction conditions in the presence of readily available tetra-N-butylammonium iodide (TBAI) as phase-transfer catalyst.