| abstract |
A method for preparing 2,2-difluoroethylamine of formula (I) CHF2CH2NH2 comprises steps (i) and (ii). In step (i), 2,2-difluoro-1-halogen ethane of general formula (II) CHF2-CH2Hal is reacted with a benzylamine compound of formula (III) in the presence of an acid scavenger, i.e. a compound that is capable of removing the hydrohalogen compound released during the reaction. In formula (II), Hal stands for chlorine, bromine or iodine, and in formula (III) R1 stands for hydrogen or for C1-C12-alkyl, and R2 stands for hydrogen, halogen, C1-C12-alkyl or C1-C6-alkoxy. In step (ii), the N-benzyl-2,2-difluorotehane amine compound obtained in step (i) is catalytically hydrogenated to form 2,2-difluoroethylamine of formula (I) or a salt thereof. |