A facile synthetic method for 2-fluoroindolizines from 1-chloro-2,2,2-trifluoroethane (HCFC-133a) and 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134a)

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.

Reactions Using Freons and Halothane as Halofluoroalkyl/Halofluoroalkenyl Building Blocks

In recent years, hydrofluorocarbon compounds such as chlorofluorocarbons, hydrochlorofluorocarbons, and 2-bromo-2-chloro-1,1,1-trifluoroethane (halothane) have been used as fluorine-containing building blocks to construct functional fluorine-containing compounds, e. g., polymers, liquid crystals, and medicines. Hydrofluorocarbons promote the formation of reactive fluoroalkyl or fluoroalkenyl species via anionic or radical processes, and these species can act as nucleophiles or electrophiles depending on the reaction conditions. Progress in fluorine chemistry using hydrofluorocarbons in the last 30 years is described in this review and diverse reactions are discussed, including the fluoroalkyl/alkenyl products and proposed mechanisms involved.

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.

Multiple-fold C–F bond functionalization for the synthesis of (hetero)cyclic compounds: fluorine as a detachable chemical handle

We highlighted the recent advances in the field of multiple-fold C–F bond functionalization for the synthesis of (hetero)cyclic compounds.

[3 + 2]-Annulation of gem-Difluoroalkenes and Pyridinium Ylides: Access to Functionalized 2-Fluoroindolizines

A [3 + 2]-annulation of gem-difluoroalkenes and pyridinium ylides was developed employing ambient air as the sole oxidant in an open-vessel manner, affording a series of multifunctionalized 2-fluoroindolizines in moderate to good yields. In this reaction, gem-difluoroalkene acts as a C2 synthon and entirely avoids the competitive addition-elimination process, which provides facile access to 2-fluoroindolizines.