Transformation of Alkynes into α- or β-Difluorinated Alkyl Azides by an Efficient One-Pot Two-Step Procedure

Reported herein an unprecedented 1,2-azide migratory hydroazidation and subsequent gem-difluorination of alkynes accessing β-difluorinated alkyl azides. Importantly, functional group controlled 1,2-azide or 1,2-aryl migration was observed in the case of aromatic alkynes. Moreover, the azide group is sustained up to the final product. The method can be easily adapted for large-scale preparation, and the resulting products can be readily transformed into gem-difluoro group containing amine and triazole derivatives.