a process for forming a 6 - fluoro derivative of compounds in the l - dopa family comprising the steps of protecting the groups attached to the benzene ring in the compound followed by serially reacting the protected compound with iodine and silver trifluoroacetic acid ; bb 3 ; dit - butyldicarbonate ; hexamethyltin ; a fluoro compound ; hydrobromic acid ; and raising the ph to ≦ 7 .