Selective mono-acylation of 1,2- and 1,3-diols using (α,α-difluoroalkyl)amines

In the reaction of N,N-diethyl-α,α-difluorobenzylamine (DFBA) with 1,2- or 1,3-diols, selective mono-benzoylation occurs to afford mono-esters of the diols in good yield. The reaction is completed under mild conditions in a short reaction time. Further, prim-, sec-, and tert-diols and catechol can be converted to the corresponding mono-benzoates. DFBA is used for the protection of the hydroxy group in sugars. The selective mono-nicotinylation, formylation and pivaloylation of diols are also performed by using the corresponding difluoroalkylamines.