Abstract: Compounds having a CHF2C(O) or CHFC(O) group can be prepared from the corresponding compounds having a CClF2C(O) or CClFC(O) group or the corresponding bromine or iodine compound and zinc in the presence of an alcohol as a proton source. Preference is given to preparing monoesters having one CHF2C(O) group or diesters having two CHFC(O) groups or (O)CCHFC(O) groups in this way.