Microwave-assisted synthesis of 1,4-bis(difluoromethyl)benzene

A fast, mild, and practical microwave-assisted protocol for synthesis of 1,4-bis(difluoromethyl)benzene from 1,4-bis(dichloromethyl)benzene and KF was developed. The new protocol increased the yield and reduced the reaction time significantly in contrast to the conventional heating procedure. Also, the synergistic effect of a composite phase transfer catalyst was studied.