Reformatsky reactions with ethyl bromodifluoroacetate gave α,α-difluoro-β-hydroxyesters in good yield from the corresponding terpenic and perfumery aldehydes. α,α-Difluoro-β-ketoesters were prepared by Swern oxidation of the α,α-difluoro-β-hydroxyesters. The reaction of hydroxyesters with amines in the presence of lipase MY, lipase PS or Novozym 435 gave α,α-difluoroamides.