Atmospheric chemistry of sulfuryl fluoride: reaction with OH radicals, Cl atoms and O3, atmospheric lifetime, IR spectrum, and global warming potential

Detection of SO2F2 Using a Photoacoustic Two-Chamber Approach

The wide use of sulfuryl difluoride (SO2F2) for termite control in buildings, warehouses and shipping containers requires the implementation of suitable sensors for reliable detection. SO2F2 is highly toxic to humans and the environment, and moreover, it is a potent greenhouse gas. We developed two photoacoustic two-chamber sensors with the aim to detect two different concentration ranges, 0-1 vol.-% SO2F2 and 0-100 ppm SO2F2, so that different applications can be targeted: the sensor for high concentrations for the effective treatment of buildings, containers, etc., and the sensor for low concentrations as personal safety device. Photoacoustic detectors were designed, fabricated, and then filled with either pure SO2F2 or pure substituent gas, the refrigerant R227ea, to detect SO2F2. Absorption cells with optical path lengths of 50 mm and 1.6 m were built for both concentration ranges. The sensitivity to SO2F2 as well as cross-sensitivities to CO2 and H2O were measured. The results show that concentrations below 1 ppm SO2F2 can be reliably detected, and possible cross-sensitivities can be effectively compensated.

SO2F2-Mediated Fluorination of P(O)-H and P(O)-OH Compounds under Mild Conditions

With the increasing relevance of organophosphorus fluorine compounds in the pharmaceutical industry, their synthesis has attracted great attention. Herein, we report an efficient fluorination strategy for P(O)-H and P(O)-OH compounds using sulfuryl fluoride as the fluorination reagent. Avoiding the use of expensive or complex prepreparation reagents for fluoridation, this strategy could conveniently construct a variety of fluorophosphonates and phosphonofluoridates under mild conditions and without additional oxidants.

New Chemical Transformations Involving SO2 F2 -Mediated Alcohol Activation

Sulfuryl fluoride is a gas produced on a multi-ton scale for its use as a fumigant. In the last decades, it has gained interest in organic synthesis as a reagent with unique properties in terms of stability and reactivity when compared to other sulfur-based reagents. Sulfuryl fluoride has not only been used for sulfur-fluoride exchange (SuFEx) chemistry but also encountered applications in classic organic synthesis as an efficient activator of both alcohols and phenols, forming a triflate surrogate, namely a fluorosulfonate. A long-standing industrial collaboration in our research group drove our work on the sulfuryl fluoride-mediated transformations that will be highlighted below. We will first describe recent works on metal-catalyzed transformations from aryl fluorosulfonates while emphasizing the one-pot processes from phenol derivatives. In a second section, nucleophilic substitution reactions on polyfluoroalkyl alcohols will be discussed and the value of polyfluoroalkyl fluorosulfonates in comparison to alternative triflate and halide reagents will be brought to light.

Synthesis of aliphatic nitriles from cyclobutanone oxime mediated by sulfuryl fluoride (SO2F2)

A SO₂F₂-mediated ring-opening cross-coupling of cyclobutanone oxime derivatives with alkenes was developed for the construction of a range of δ-olefin-containing aliphatic nitriles with (E)-configuration selectivity. This new method features wide substrate scope, mild conditions, and direct N-O activation.

Lignocellulose Conversion via Catalytic Transformations Yields Methoxyterephthalic Acid Directly from Sawdust

Poly(ethylene terephthalate) polyester represents the most common class of thermoplastic polymers widely used in the textile, bottling, and packaging industries. Terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol, both of petrochemical origin, are polymerized to yield the polyester. However, an earlier report suggests that polymerization of methoxyterephthalic acid with ethylene glycol provides a methoxy-polyester with similar properties. Currently, there are no established biobased synthetic routes toward the methoxyterephthalic acid monomer. Here, we show a viable route to the dicarboxylic acid from various tree species involving three catalytic steps. We demonstrate that sawdust can be converted to valuable aryl nitrile intermediates through hydrogenolysis, followed by an efficient fluorosulfation-catalytic cyanation sequence (>90%) and then converted to methoxyterephthalic acid by hydrolysis and oxidation. A preliminary polymerization result indicates a methoxy-polyester with acceptable thermal properties.

Towards a Miniaturized Photoacoustic Detector for the Infrared Spectroscopic Analysis of SO2F2 and Refrigerants

Sulfuryl fluoride (SO₂F₂) is a toxic and potent greenhouse gas that is currently widely used as a fumigant insecticide in houses, food, and shipping containers. Though it poses a major hazard to humans, its detection is still carried out manually and only on a random basis. In this paper, we present a two-chamber photoacoustic approach for continuous SO₂F₂ sensing. Because of the high toxicity of SO₂F₂, the concept is to use a non-toxic substituent gas with similar absorption characteristics in the photoacoustic detector chamber, i.e., to measure SO₂F₂ indirectly. The refrigerants R227ea, R125, R134a, and propene were identified as possible substituents using a Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic analysis. The resulting infrared spectra were used to simulate the sensitivity of the substituents of a photoacoustic sensor to SO₂F₂ in different concentration ranges and at different optical path lengths. The simulations showed that R227ea has the highest sensitivity to SO₂F₂ among the substituents and is therefore a promising substituent detector gas. Simulations concerning the possible cross-sensitivity of the photoacoustic detectors to H₂O and CO₂ were also performed. These results are the first step towards the development of a miniaturized, sensitive, and cost-effective photoacoustic sensor system for SO₂F₂.

Updated Global Warming Potentials and Radiative Efficiencies of Halocarbons and Other Weak Atmospheric Absorbers

Human activity has led to increased atmospheric concentrations of many gases, including halocarbons, and may lead to emissions of many more gases. Many of these gases are, on a per molecule basis, powerful greenhouse gases, although at present-day concentrations their climate effect is in the so-called weak limit (i.e., their effect scales linearly with concentration). We published a comprehensive review of the radiative efficiencies (RE) and global warming potentials (GWP) for around 200 such compounds in 2013 (Hodnebrog et al., 2013, https://doi.org/10.1002/rog.20013). Here we present updated RE and GWP values for compounds where experimental infrared absorption spectra are available. Updated numbers are based on a revised "Pinnock curve", which gives RE as a function of wave number, and now also accounts for stratospheric temperature adjustment (Shine & Myhre, 2020, https://doi.org/10.1029/2019MS001951). Further updates include the implementation of around 500 absorption spectra additional to those in the 2013 review and new atmospheric lifetimes from the literature (mainly from WMO (2019)). In total, values for 60 of the compounds previously assessed are based on additional absorption spectra, and 42 compounds have REs which differ by >10% from our previous assessment. New RE calculations are presented for more than 400 compounds in addition to the previously assessed compounds, and GWP calculations are presented for a total of around 250 compounds. Present-day radiative forcing due to halocarbons and other weak absorbers is 0.38 [0.33-0.43] W m-2, compared to 0.36 [0.32-0.40] W m-2 in IPCC AR5 (Myhre et al., 2013, https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9781107415324.018), which is about 18% of the current CO2 forcing.

Clickable coupling of carboxylic acids and amines at room temperature mediated by SO2F2: a significant breakthrough for the construction of amides and peptide linkages

The construction of amide bonds and peptide linkages is one of the most fundamental transformations in all life processes and organic synthesis. The synthesis of structurally ubiquitous amide motifs is essential in the assembly of numerous important molecules such as peptides, proteins, alkaloids, pharmaceutical agents, polymers, ligands and agrochemicals. A method of SO2F2-mediated direct clickable coupling of carboxylic acids with amines was developed for the synthesis of a broad scope of amides in a simple, mild, highly efficient, robust and practical manner (>110 examples, >90% yields in most cases). The direct click reactions of acids and amines on a gram scale are also demonstrated using an extremely easy work-up and purification process of washing with 1 M aqueous HCl to provide the desired amides in greater than 99% purity and excellent yields.

Ex situ gas generation for lab scale organic synthesis

This review discusses recent examples of ex situ generated gaseous reagents, and their use in organic synthesis.

A cascade process for directly converting nitriles (RCN) to cyanamides (RNHCN) via SO2F2-activated Tiemann rearrangement

A simple, mild and practical process for the direct conversion of nitriles to cyanamides was newly discovered and exhibited a wide substrate scope as well as great functional group-tolerability (36 examples). In this efficient strategy, the in situ generated amidoximes obtained from the reaction of nitriles with hydroxylamine subsequently underwent Tiemann rearrangement, producing the corresponding cyanamides with great isolated yields under SO2F2. Additionally, the control experiments reportedly shed light on the tentative mechanism involved in the formation and elimination of the key intermediate: a sulfonyl ester.

Installation of -SO2F groups onto primary amides

A protocol of SO₂F₂-mediated installation of sulfonyl fluoride onto primary amides has been developed providing a new portal to sulfur(VI) fluoride exchange (SuFEx) click chemistry. The generated molecules contain pharmaceutically important amide and -SO₂F moieties for application in the discovery of new therapeutics.

SO2F2-mediated transformation of 2'-hydroxyacetophenones to benzo-oxetes

A catalyst-free novel and efficient methodology for the challenging synthesis of benzo-oxetes from 2'-hydroxyacetophenones mediated by sulfuryl fluoride (SO₂F₂) gas has been realized. The combination of 2'-hydroxyacetophenones and SO₂F₂ furnishes synthetically challenging benzo-oxetanes in moderate to excellent yields. The highlight of this work is the design and synthesis of strained four-membered oxete rings.

Cascade Process for Direct Transformation of Aldehydes (RCHO) to Nitriles (RCN) Using Inorganic Reagents NH2OH/Na2CO3/SO2F2 in DMSO

A simple, mild, and practical process for direct conversion of aldehydes to nitriles was developed feathering a wide substrate scope and great functional group tolerability (52 examples, over 90% yield in most cases) using inorganic reagents (NH₂OH/Na₂CO₃/SO₂F₂) in DMSO. This method allows for transformations of readily available, inexpensive, and abundant aldehydes to highly valuable nitriles in a pot, atom, and step-economical manner without transition metals. This protocol will serve as a robust tool for the installation of cyano-moieties to complicated molecules.

Transition-metal-free regioselective construction of 1,5-diaryl-1,2,3-triazoles through dehydrative cycloaddition of alcohols with aryl azides mediated by SO2F2

A novel, simple and practical method for mild, efficient, cost-effective and regioselective synthesis of highly valuable 1,5-diaryl-1,2,3-triazoles was achieved through dehydrative annulation of readily available alcohols with aryl azides. The reaction proceeded at room temperature, without any metal catalysts, exhibiting excellent compatibility to a large variety of functional groups (>50 examples), resulting in up to quantitative yields.

Applications of sulfuryl fluoride (SO2F2) in chemical transformations

A number of novel methodologies concerning the chemical, biological and medicinal applications of sulfuryl fluoride (SO₂F₂) gas have dramatically improved year by year.

The growing applications of SuFEx click chemistry

SuFEx (Sulfur Fluoride Exchange) is a modular, next generation family of click reactions, geared towards the rapid and reliable assembly of functional molecules.

SO2F2 mediated cascade dehydrogenative Morita–Baylis–Hillman reaction of the C(sp3)–H of primary alcohols with the C(sp2)–H of electron-deficient olefins for the assembly of allylic alcohols

A cascade dehydrogenative Morita–Baylis–Hillman reaction of the C(sp³)–H of primary alcohols with the C(sp²)–H of electron-deficient olefins for forming allylic alcohols mediated by SO₂F₂ was developed. This method provides a mild process for the preparation of allylic alcohol moieties without the requirement of transition metals.

A cascade dehydrogenative Morita–Baylis–Hillman reaction of the C(sp³)–H of primary alcohols with the C(sp²)–H of electron-deficient olefins for forming allylic alcohols mediated by SO₂F₂ was developed.

Regioselective installation of fluorosulfate (–OSO2F) functionality into aromatic C(sp2)–H bonds for the construction of para-amino-arylfluorosulfates

The synthesis of novel para-amino-arylfluorosulfates was achieved through installing fluorosulfate functionality into aromatic C(sp²)–H bonds mediated by sulfuryl fluoride.

SO2F2 mediated transformation of pyrazolones into pyrazolyl fluorosulfates

The construction of a class of novel N-heterocyclic molecules containing both pyrazole and fluorosulfate functionalities was achieved through the reactions of pyrazolones with SO₂F₂ in good to excellent yields.

Quantification of Ethanedinitrile in Air Using a New and Accurate Gas Chromatography Method

Compared to previously tested fumigants such as methyl bromide, sulfuryl fluoride and phosphine; ethanedinitrile (EDN) is a new fumigant which is being trialled around the world as a pre-plant soil treatment and as a quarantine and pre-shipment (QPS) treatment of commodities. To collect the data necessary to assess the effectiveness of this fumigant, an accurate analytical method is needed across a wide concentration range. We reviewed the methods of detection for EDN described in recently published fumigation studies and have developed and validated a method to quantify EDN in air using a gas chromatograph equipped with a flame ionization detector (GC–FID). Our tested method has a linearity, precision, accuracy, limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) of R² 0.9988, 1.36%, 98.8%, 0.750 ppm and 1.073 ppm, respectively. These values were determined using internationally recognised guidelines for the validation of non-standard analytical methods, which means that our method can be applied to the different validation requirements of regulatory agencies and countries. Our method can be used for experimental conditions that require detection at low and high concentrations simultaneously because it is accurate, fast (0.6 min) and repeatable across a concentration range of 1 to 40,000 ppm. This method will help to standardise the quantification of EDN by research groups and facilitate acceptance of data by regulatory organisations around the world.

Pd-Catalyzed one-pot dehydroxylative coupling of phenols with K4[Fe(CN)6] mediated by SO2F2: a practical method for the direct conversion of phenols to aryl nitriles

A SO₂F₂ mediated Pd-catalyzed one-pot dehydroxylative cyanation of phenols to aryl nitriles was accomplished by employing (K₄[Fe(CN)₆]) as the cyanating reagent.

SO2 F2 -Mediated One-Pot Synthesis of Aryl Carboxylic Acids and Esters from Phenols through a Pd-Catalyzed Insertion of Carbon Monoxide

A one-pot Pd-catalyzed carbonylation of phenols into their corresponding aryl carboxylic acids and esters through the insertion of carbon monoxide has been developed. This procedure offers a direct synthesis of aryl carboxylic acids and esters from inexpensive and abundant starting materials (phenols, SO₂ F₂ and CO) under mild conditions. This method tolerates a broad range of functional groups and is also applicable for the modification of complicated natural products.

Multidimensional SuFEx Click Chemistry: Sequential Sulfur(VI) Fluoride Exchange Connections of Diverse Modules Launched From An SOF4 Hub

Sulfur(VI) fluoride exchange (SuFEx) is a new family of click chemistry based transformations that enable the synthesis of covalently linked modules via S^VI hubs. Here we report thionyl tetrafluoride (SOF₄ ) as the first multidimensional SuFEx connector. SOF₄ sits between the commercially mass-produced gases SF₆ and SO₂ F₂ , and like them, is readily synthesized on scale. Under SuFEx catalysis conditions, SOF₄ reliably seeks out primary amino groups [R-NH₂ ] and becomes permanently anchored via a tetrahedral iminosulfur(VI) link: R-N=(O=)S(F)₂ . The pendant, prochiral difluoride groups R-N=(O=)SF₂ , in turn, offer two further SuFExable handles, which can be sequentially exchanged to create 3-dimensional covalent departure vectors from the tetrahedral sulfur(VI) hub.

Chemoselective Synthesis of Polysubstituted Pyridines from Heteroaryl Fluorosulfates

A selection of heteroaryl fluorosulfates were readily synthesized using commercial SO2F2 gas. These substrates are highly efficient coupling partners in the Suzuki reaction. Through judicious selection of Pd catalysts the fluorosulfate functionality is differentiated from bromide and chloride; the order of reactivity being: -Br> -OSO2 F> -Cl. Exploiting this trend allowed the stepwise chemoselective synthesis of a number of polysubstituted pyridines, including the drug Etoricoxib.

Sulfur(VI) fluoride exchange (SuFEx): another good reaction for click chemistry

Aryl sulfonyl chlorides (e.g. Ts-Cl) are beloved of organic chemists as the most commonly used S(VI) electrophiles, and the parent sulfuryl chloride, O2 S(VI) Cl2 , has also been relied on to create sulfates and sulfamides. However, the desired halide substitution event is often defeated by destruction of the sulfur electrophile because the S(VI) Cl bond is exceedingly sensitive to reductive collapse yielding S(IV) species and Cl(-) . Fortunately, the use of sulfur(VI) fluorides (e.g., R-SO2 -F and SO2 F2 ) leaves only the substitution pathway open. As with most of click chemistry, many essential features of sulfur(VI) fluoride reactivity were discovered long ago in Germany.6a Surprisingly, this extraordinary work faded from view rather abruptly in the mid-20th century. Here we seek to revive it, along with John Hyatt's unnoticed 1979 full paper exposition on CH2 CH-SO2 -F, the most perfect Michael acceptor ever found.98 To this history we add several new observations, including that the otherwise very stable gas SO2 F2 has excellent reactivity under the right circumstances. We also show that proton or silicon centers can activate the exchange of SF bonds for SO bonds to make functional products, and that the sulfate connector is surprisingly stable toward hydrolysis. Applications of this controllable ligation chemistry to small molecules, polymers, and biomolecules are discussed.

High-global warming potential F-gas emissions in California: comparison of ambient-based versus inventory-based emission estimates, and implications of refined estimates

To provide information for greenhouse gas reduction policies, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) inventories annual emissions of high-global-warming potential (GWP) fluorinated gases, the fastest growing sector of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions globally. Baseline 2008 F-gas emissions estimates for selected chlorofluorocarbons (CFC-12), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFC-22), and hydrofluorocarbons (HFC-134a) made with an inventory-based methodology were compared to emissions estimates made by ambient-based measurements. Significant discrepancies were found, with the inventory-based emissions methodology resulting in a systematic 42% under-estimation of CFC-12 emissions from older refrigeration equipment and older vehicles, and a systematic 114% overestimation of emissions for HFC-134a, a refrigerant substitute for phased-out CFCs. Initial, inventory-based estimates for all F-gas emissions had assumed that equipment is no longer in service once it reaches its average lifetime of use. Revised emission estimates using improved models for equipment age at end-of-life, inventories, and leak rates specific to California resulted in F-gas emissions estimates in closer agreement to ambient-based measurements. The discrepancies between inventory-based estimates and ambient-based measurements were reduced from -42% to -6% for CFC-12, and from +114% to +9% for HFC-134a.

Assessment of theoretical methods for the study of hydrogen abstraction kinetics of global warming gas species during their degradation and byproduct formation (IUPAC Technical Report)

Global climate change is a major concern as it leads to an increase in the average temperature of the earth’s atmosphere. The existence and persistence of some gaseous species in the atmosphere contribute to global warming. Experimental techniques are used to study the kinetics and degradation of global warming gases. However, quantum mechanical methods are also useful for the kinetic and radiative forcing study of global warming species and can precede experimental investigations. Research has also been targeted to develop more adapted procedures using ab initio and density functional theory (DFT) methods. This report provides a global perspective, in simplified manner, of the theoretical studies of the degradation of gas species in the atmosphere with an emphasis on the hydrogen abstraction kinetics of global warming gas species during their degradation and byproduct formation. En route, the results obtained from these studies are analysed and compared with experimental data where available. Our analyses indicate that the theoretical predictions are in agreement with experimental findings but the predicted parameters are dependent on the method being used. Theoretical methods are used to predict the thermodynamic parameters of reactions, and, with relevance to this report, the global warming potential (GWP) index can also be calculated. This report can be useful for future investigations involving global warming gaseous species while providing suggestions on how computations can fill in data gaps when experimental data are unavailable.

Decomposition treatment of SO2F2 using packed bed DBD plasma followed by chemical absorption

The technology of packed bed dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma followed by a chemical absorption has been developed and was found to be an efficient way for decomposition treatment of sulfuryl fluoride (SO2F2) in simulated residual fumigant. The effects of energy density, initial SO2F2 concentration, and residence time on the removal efficiency of SO2F2 for the DBD plasma treatment alone were investigated. It was found that the SO2F2 could be removed completely when initial volume concentration, energy density, and residence time were 0.5%, 33.9 kJ/L, and 5.1 s, respectively. The removal mechanism of SO2F2 in the packed bed DBD reactor was discussed. Based on the detailed analysis of SO2F2 molecular stability and its exhaust products in the DBD plasma reactor, it was concluded that the energetic electrons generated in the packed bed DBD reactor played a key role on the removal of SO2F2, and the major decomposition products of SO2F2 detected were SO2, SiF4, and S (Sulfur). Among these products, SiF4 was formed by the F atom reacted with the filler-quartz glass beads (SiO2) in the packed bed DBD reactor. Aqueous NaOH solution was used as the chemical absorbent for the gaseous products of SO2F2 after plasma pretreatment. It was found that the gaseous products in the plasma exhaust could be absorbed and fixed by the subsequent aqueous NaOH solution.