What the study found
The study found that hydrofluorocarbons can be converted into anhydrous potassium fluoride, which can then be used to make a range of fluorinated molecules in a one-pot transfer fluorination process. The authors report that this approach applies to several types of fluorochemicals, including industrial refrigerants, hydrofluoroolefins, fluoroethers, perfluorooctanoic acid, and poly(vinylidene) difluoride.
Why the authors say this matters
The authors present this as an approach to recycling fluorochemicals. They also note that fluorochemicals improve quality of life, while there is increasing concern over how they are produced and their negative effects on health and the environment.
What the researchers tested
The researchers treated hydrofluorocarbons with a potassium base, either KHMDS or KO t Bu, to produce anhydrous potassium fluoride. They then used that fluoride source in one-pot transfer fluorination to prepare fluorinated organic and inorganic molecules, and they also examined aspects of the mechanism with density functional theory calculations. They additionally presented batch scale-up at 50 g and flow chemistry at 1.5 g h−1.
What worked and what didn't
Rapid defluorination to anhydrous potassium fluoride was reported with the potassium bases used. That potassium fluoride was then used to prepare sulfonyl fluorides, aryl fluorides, alkyl fluorides, and a range of p-block fluorides. The abstract does not describe specific failures or reactions that did not work.
What to keep in mind
The abstract gives a high-level summary and does not provide detailed limitations, yields, or reaction conditions. It also does not state which substrates were less successful, aside from identifying the broad scope of recyclable fluorochemicals and the scale-up examples.
Key points
- Hydrofluorocarbons were converted to anhydrous potassium fluoride by treatment with a potassium base.
- The potassium fluoride was used in a one-pot transfer fluorination process.
- The method produced sulfonyl fluorides, aryl fluorides, alkyl fluorides, and p-block fluorides.
- The reported scope included refrigerants, hydrofluoroolefins, fluoroethers, perfluorooctanoic acid, and poly(vinylidene) difluoride.
- Mechanistic aspects were studied with density functional theory calculations.
- Scale-up was demonstrated in batch and flow chemistry.
Disclosure
- Research title:
- Hydrofluorocarbons can be recycled into useful fluorides
- Authors:
- Niko A. Jenek, Sarah Brock, Jiahuang Mao, Amanda A. Fogh, Andreas Phanopoulos, Mark R. Crimmin
- Institutions:
- Imperial College London, Imperial College London, Imperial College London, Imperial College London, Imperial College London, Imperial College London, University of Bath
- Publication date:
- 2026-03-13
- DOI:
- W7135234677
- OpenAlex record:
- View
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