Asymmetric fluoro-organomercurials. Part 2. The synthesis and characterisation of the fluorovinyl-mercurials RHgCXCF2 (R=Ph, Fc; X=F, Cl): The single crystal X-ray structures of PhHgCFCF2, FcHgCFCF2 and FcHgCClCF2

Defluorination of HFCs by a magnesium reagent

Reaction of a series of HFCs with a main group reagent containing a Mg-Mg bond results in defluorination to form the corresponding magnesium fluoride complex. In the case of 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134a) generation of the fluoride occurs alongside selective formation of 1,1-difluoroethene. DFT calculations have been carried out to better understand the selectivity and compare the barriers for sp3 C-F bond activation with sp3 C-H bond activation in this system.

Repurposing of F-gases: challenges and opportunities in fluorine chemistry

Fluorinated gases (F-gases) are routinely employed as refrigerants, blowing agents, and electrical insulators. These volatile compounds are potent greenhouse gases and consequently their release to the environment creates a significant contribution to global warming. This review article seeks to summarise: (i) the current applications of F-gases, (ii) the environmental issues caused by F-gases, (iii) current methods of destruction of F-gases and (iv) recent work in the field towards the chemical repurposing of F-gases. There is a great opportunity to tackle the environmental and sustainability issues created by F-gases by developing reactions that repurpose these molecules.

Bis(4-pyridyl)mercury – a new linear tecton in crystal engineering: coordination polymers and co-crystallization processes

Three new coordination polymers have been obtained using bis(4-pyridyl)mercury (py₂Hg) as a spacer: [Cu(Hmea)₂(py₂Hg)](ClO₄)₂·2(py₂Hg) (1), [Cu₂(pa)₂(py₂Hg)(ClO₄)₂]·0.5(py₂Hg)·H₂O (2), and [Cu₂(pa)₂(py₂Hg)₂](BF₄)₂ (3) (Hmea = monoethanolamine; Hpa = propanolamine).