Palladium(0)-catalyzed addition of CFBr3 to olefins: synthesis of 1,1,3-tribromo-1-fluoroalkanes and 1,2-difluoroalkenes

It has been observed that Pd(0) can be used as a catalyst for the addition of CFBr3 to olefins to give 1,1,3-tribromo-1-fluoroalkanes with good yields. Both terminal and internal olefins react under these conditions. Treatment of the addition product with zinc and methanol gave 1,2-fluoroalkenes.