Synthetic Methodologies for the Chemical Recycling of Fluorocarbons

In this review, we describe synthetic methods that harvest fluoride (F–) from fluorocarbons and deliver it to other molecules through either transfer fluorination or fluoride shuttling. We also summarise related approaches, transfer hydrofluorination and HF shuttling in which hydrogen fluoride (HF) is generated in situ from one fluorocarbon and used to prepare another, along with recent breakthroughs in fluoroalkene cross-metathesis. Our focus is on reactions that can be applied to industrially relevant fluorochemicals, namely refrigerants (HFCs and HFOs) and fluoropolymers (PTFE, PVDF, PVF). We provide insight into the mechanisms that break and remake carbon–fluorine bonds as part of linear reaction sequences or catalytic manifolds. Limitations of the current methodologies are highlighted and opportunities for future developments discussed.