Abstract: The invention provides a method for the preparation of a dicarbonyl compound of formula (I) R1COCFR2COR3 wherein R1 is selected from alkyl, substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, substituted aryl and acetoxy, R2 is selected from hydrogen, halogen, nitro, cyano, alkyl, substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, acetoxy, aryl and substituted aryl, and R3 is selected from alkyl, substitued alkyl, oxyalkyl and substituted oxyalkyl, the method comprising treating a dicarbonyl compound of formula (II) R1COCHR2COR3 with elemental fluorine in a solvent which consists of methanol or aqueous methanol. The method provides an inexpensive and convenient synthetic route to 2-fluoro- and 2,2-difluoro-1,3-diketones and -1,3-ketoesters.

Abstract: A process is provided for the fluorination of an aromatic fused ring compound which comprises treating the compound with fluorine. A preferred process involves treating a solution of a naphthalene compound in an inert solvent with elemental fluorine, preferably comprised in a gas stream and diluted with an inert gas. The process provides a convenient and simple method by which fluorinated derivatives may be prepared with a high degree of specificity and shows improved yields over methods known from the prior art.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of substituting a carbonyl compound with fluorine at the &agr;-position, comprising reaching the carbonyl compound with a fluorinating present of a metal-containing catalyst. The reaction results in replacement of a hydrogen atom by fluorine. The catalyst, which is used in a catalytically effective amount, is preferably a transition metal. In one class of methods the catalyst is a transition metal compound. In another class of methods, the catalyst is an elemental metal, in which case the carbonyl compound has an activating group attached to the carbon atom which is substituted by fluorine.

Abstract: A method of halogenating an aromatic compound which comprises the steps of reacting an halogenating agent with the aromatic compound in the presence of fluorine and an acid, wherein the halogenating agent is at least one of an iodinating agent, a brominating agent and an chlorinating agent.

Abstract: The compound 2-chloro-1,2,2-trifluoroethyl difluoromethyl ether, processes for its manufacture, compositions containing it and its use as an inhalation anaesthetic.

Abstract: The compound 2-chloro-1,2,2-trifluoroethyl difluoromethyl ether, processes for its manufacture, compositions containing it and its use as an inhalation anaesthetic.