Direct C–F functionalization of benzylic sp3 C–H bonds is a synthetic challenge that has yet to be propitiously overcome. A mild, one-pot synthesis of monofluorinated benzylic substrates is reported with commercially available iron (II) acetylacetonate and Selectfluor in good to excellent yields and selectivity. A convenient route to β-fluorinated products of 3-aryl ketones is also highlighted, providing a synthetic equivalent to the difficult to accomplish ...
