Nucleophilic displacements of 2-perfluoroalkyl-1-iodoethanes: improved synthesis of fluorine-containing malonic esters

The replacement of iodide in 2-perfluoroalkyl-1-iodoethanes by anions derived from dialkyl malonate affords α-(2-perfluoroalkyl)ethyl malonic esters in high yields with negligible elimination and dialkylation, using bases such as K2CO3 or NaH in THF. The physical properties of the products are described.