A method for fluoromethylating halogenated alcohols. The method includes the step of providing an alpha-halogenated alcohol of the formula R1C(CX3)2OH, wherein R1 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and alkyl groups. The alpha-halogenated alcohol is reacted with a first compound of the formula CH2(OR2)2 in the presence of an acid catalyst to form an acetal. The resulting acetal is then chlorinated with a chlorinating agent to form a chloride compound of the formula R1C(CX3)2OCH2Cl. The chloride compound is then converted to a fluoride compound of the formula R1C(CX3)2OCH2F using a fluorinating agent.