Chemical Recycling of Hydrofluorocarbons by Transfer Fluorination

The production of fluorochemicals is currently achieved through a linear manufacturing process starting from fluorspar (CaF2). While fluorochemicals improve our quality of life, there is increasing concern over their negative impact on health and the environment. Here we report an approach to preparing fluorine-containing molecules through recycling. Treatment of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) with a potassium base (KHMDS, KOtBu, KBn) results in rapid defluorination to produce anhydrous potassium fluoride. The scope of fluorochemicals that can be recycled includes industrially relevant HFCs, hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs), fluoroethers – including anaesthetics and battery additives, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), and poly(vinylidene difluoride) (PVDF). The in situ generated potassium fluoride harvested from these materials can then be used to prepare a wide range of fluorinated organic and inorganic molecules.