How is Difluoro(phenyl)acetic acid (CAS: 360-03-2) typically synthesized?

Difluoro(phenyl)acetic acid (CAS: 360-03-2) is typically synthesized via the Friedel-Crafts acylation of a phenyl derivative with acetyl chloride in the presence of aluminum chloride as a catalyst. The reaction involves the introduction of the acetyl group onto the phenyl ring followed by the subsequent conversion to the carboxylic acid function. This process provides good yield and high selectivity.