A novel methodology for the synthesis of 3,3-difluoropiperidines has been developed. The target compounds are prepared in three steps using a robust protocol and simple starting materials. The incorporation of the fluorine is achieved by using the cheap and easily available ethyl 2-bromo-2,2-difluoroacetate as building block. Using this methodology, a new potent in vitro phosphodiesterase 2A (PDE2A) inhibitor containing the functionalized fluorinated piperidine scaffold has been prepared.