Indium-promoted Reformatsky reaction: a straightforward access to β-amino and β-hydroxy α,α-difluoro carbonyl compounds.

A versatile and practical methodology to access β-amino and β-hydroxy α,α-difluoro carbonyl compounds using indium metal is described. This methodology has been successfully applied to a broad range of substrates including aldehydes, ketones, and imines, affording the corresponding and highly valuable gem-difluoro esters. The wide substrate scope highlights the chemoselectivity of the process.