Synthesis of [1-14C]-2,2-difluoroethene from [14C]-formaldehyde

Article abstract of DOI:10.1002/jlcr.2580340108

[1-¹⁴C]-2,2-Difluoroethene was synthesized from [¹⁴C]-formaldehyde using a modification of the Wadsworth-Emmons reaction, via formation of the intermediate (EtO)₂P(O)CF₂¹⁴CH₂OSiMe₃. This highly volatile product was collected in a liquid nitrogen trap at a purity of >97% and specific activity of 0.2 mCi/mmol, with yields of 10-15%.