Methods for the Synthesis of α,α-Difluoroketones

α,α-Difluoroketones are valuable compounds and can be used as synthetic intermediates for the synthesis of fluorinated molecules, but they also have a direct application in medicinal chemistry, particularly as inhibitors for hydrolytic enzymes. This Microreview will summarize the major methods currently available for the synthesis of α,α-difluoroketones, highlighting methods involving direct C–F bond formation, as well as those using pre-difluorinated building blocks.