Synthesis of gem‑bromofluoroolefins using singlet bromofluorocarbene generated from ethyl dibromofluoroacetate via a Wittig-type reaction

•Synthesis of gem‑bromofluoroolefins utilizing ethyldibromofluoroacetate and triphenyl- phosphine.•The reaction takes place via a Wittig type intermediate.•The reaction goes through a singlet bromofluorocarbene intermediate.•The reaction works with a wide variety of aryl aldehydes. A halon-free method for the synthesis of gem‑bromofluoroolefins utilizing ethyldibromofluoro-acetate is disclosed via a Wittig type reaction. The reaction system takes advantage of inexpensive and readily available reagents. The method was applied to a wide variety of aryl aldehydes. Both electron donating and electron withdrawing moieties on the aryl ring were tolerated and the desired olefin products were obtained in good to excellent yields. [Display omitted]