Nickel-catalyzed hydrodefluorination/deuterodefluorination of CF-alkenes with formic acid.

The synthesis of deuterated -difluoroalkenes selective deuterodefluorination of β-CF-cinnamates using a nickel catalyst has been reported for the first time. Commercially available deuterated formic acid is a cheap and convenient deuterium source. The nickel-catalyst showed high selectivity for monodefluorination and avoided competitive reactions such as multiple defluorination or hydrogenation.