Site-selective Sonogashira reactions of 1,2-dibromo-3,5-difluorobenzene

► A variety of mono- and diethynyl substituted fluorinated benzene derivatives were prepared. ► The first site selective Sonogashira cross coupling reactions of 1,2-dibromo-3,5-difluorobenzene are reported. ► The site-selectivity in favor of position 1 is rationalized by quantum chemical calculations.