Highly versatile: The Ruppert–Prakash reagent (Me3SiCF3) can be an efficient source of difluorocarbene. By varying the nonmetallic initiator that is used (F− at lower temperatures and I− at higher temperatures), a range of structurally diverse alkenes and alkynes can be converted into the corresponding gem‐difluorinated cyclopropanes and cyclopropenes in good yields (see scheme).

Owing to their unique properties, molecules containing the difluoromethyl group (CF2H) are of great interest. Tributyl(difluoromethyl)stannane has now been used for the selective and efficient direct ipso difluoromethylation of aryl iodides, heterocyclic iodides, and β‐styryl halides (see scheme). The straightforward preparation of the difluoromethylating reagent makes this approach particularly valuable.

Rationale: Alveolar epithelial cell (AEC) injury and dysregulated repair are implicated in the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in AEC has been observed in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a disease of aging.Objectives: To investigate a causal role for ER stress in the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis (PF) and therapeutic potential of ER stress inhibition in PF.Methods: The role of ER stress in AEC dysfunction and fibrosis was studied in mice with tamoxifen (Tmx)-inducible deletion of ER chaperone Grp78, a key regulator of ER homeostasis, in alveolar type II (AT2) cells, progenitors of distal lung epithelium, and in IPF lung slice cultures.Measurements and Main Results: Grp78 deletion caused weight loss, mortality, lung inflammation, and spatially heterogeneous fibrosis characterized by fibroblastic foci, hyperplastic AT2 cells, and increased susceptibility of old and male mice, all features of IPF. Fibrosis was more persistent in more severely injured Grp78 knockout (KO) mice. Grp78 KO AT2 cells showed evidence of ER stress, apoptosis, senescence, impaired progenitor capacity, and activation of TGF-b (transforming growth factor-b)/SMAD signaling. Glucose-regulated protein 78 is reduced in AT2 cells from old mice and patients with IPF, and ER stress inhibitor tauroursodeoxycholic acid ameliorates ER stress and fibrosis in Grp78 KO mouse and IPF lung slice cultures.Conclusions: These results support a causal role for ER stress and resulting epithelial dysfunction in PF and suggest ER stress as a potential mechanism linking aging to IPF. Modulation of ER stress and chaperone function may offer a promising therapeutic approach for pulmonary fibrosis.