Single‐Step Gas‐Phase Polyperfluoroalkylation of Naphthalene Leads to Thermodynamic Products

High‐temperature gas‐phase, solvent‐ and catalyst‐free reaction of naphthalene with an excess of R_FI reagent (R_F?CF₃, C₂F₅, n‐C₃F₇, and n‐C₄F₉) was used for the first time to produce a series of highly perfluoroalkylated naphthalene products NAPH(R_F)_n with n=2–5. Four 95+ % pure 1,3,5,7‐NAPH(R_F)₄ with R_F?CF₃, C₂F₅, n‐C₃F₇, and n‐C₄F₉ were isolated using a simple chromatography‐free procedure. These new compounds were fully characterized by ¹⁹F and ¹H NMR spectroscopy, X‐ray crystallography (for R_F?CF₃ and C₂F₅), atmospheric‐pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometry, and cyclic and square‐wave voltammetry. DFT calculations confirm that the proposed synthesis yields the most stable isomers that have not been accessed by alternative preparation techniques.     

Synthesis,Isolation, and Trifluoromethylation of Two Isomers of C84‐Based Monometallic Cyanide Clusterfullerenes: Interplay between the Endohedral Cluster and the Exohedral Addends

As an emerging member of endohedral fullerenes, metal cyanide clusterfullerenes (CYCF) are unique in terms of the encapsulation of a monometallic cluster. To date the reported carbon cages of CYCFs are limited to C₈₂ and C₇₆, and little is known about the chemical reactivity of CYCFs. Herein, two isomers of the first C₈₄‐based CYCFs, YCN@C₈₄, were isolated as trifluoromethyl derivatives, including YCN@C₈₄(23)(CF₃)₁₈ and three isomers of YCN@C₈₄(13)(CF₃)₁₆, which are based on a unique chiral C ₂‐C₈₄(13) cage. As a common feature of the CF₃ addition patterns, the YCN@C₈₄(CF₃)_16/18 compounds are stabilized by the formation of isolated C=C bonds and benzenoid rings on the carbon cages. The interplay between the endohedral YCN cluster and the exhohedral CF₃ addends was unveiled according to single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction studies, thus offering new insight into the chemical reactivity of CYCFs.     

Synthesis,Isolation, and Trifluoromethylation of Two Isomers of C84‐Based Monometallic Cyanide Clusterfullerenes: Interplay between the Endohedral Cluster and the Exohedral Addends

As an emerging member of endohedral fullerenes, metal cyanide clusterfullerenes (CYCF) are unique in terms of the encapsulation of a monometallic cluster. To date the reported carbon cages of CYCFs are limited to C₈₂ and C₇₆, and little is known about the chemical reactivity of CYCFs. Herein, two isomers of the first C₈₄‐based CYCFs, YCN@C₈₄, were isolated as trifluoromethyl derivatives, including YCN@C₈₄(23)(CF₃)₁₈ and three isomers of YCN@C₈₄(13)(CF₃)₁₆, which are based on a unique chiral C ₂‐C₈₄(13) cage. As a common feature of the CF₃ addition patterns, the YCN@C₈₄(CF₃)_16/18 compounds are stabilized by the formation of isolated C=C bonds and benzenoid rings on the carbon cages. The interplay between the endohedral YCN cluster and the exhohedral CF₃ addends was unveiled according to single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction studies, thus offering new insight into the chemical reactivity of CYCFs.     

Synthesis,Structure, and Theoretical Study of Trifluoromethyl Derivatives of C84(22) Fullerene

Trifluoromethylation of higher fullerene mixtures with CF₃I was performed in ampoules at 400 to 420 and 550 to 560 °C. HPLC separation followed by crystal growth and X‐ray diffraction studies allowed the structure elucidation of nine CF₃ derivatives of D₂‐C₈₄ (isomer 22). Molecular structures of two isomers of C₈₄(22)(CF₃)₁₂, two isomers of C₈₄(22)(CF₃)₁₄, four isomers of C₈₄(22)(CF₃)₁₆, and one isomer of C₈₄(22)(CF₃)₂₀ were discussed in terms of their addition patterns and relative formation energies. DFT calculations were also used to predict the most stable molecular structures of lower CF₃ derivatives, C₈₄(22)(CF₃)_2–10. It was found that the addition of CF₃ groups to C₈₄(22) is governed by two rules: additions can only occur at para positions of C₆(CF₃)₂ hexagons and no additions can occur at triple‐hexagon‐junction positions on the fullerene cage.     

Synthesis,Structure, and Theoretical Study of Trifluoromethyl Derivatives of C84(23) Fullerene

Trifluoromethylation of a higher fullerene mixture with CF₃I was performed in ampoules at 550 °C. HPLC separation followed by crystal growth and X‐ray diffraction study resulted in the structure elucidation of nine CF₃ derivatives of D_2d‐C₈₄ (isomer 23). The molecular structures of C₈₄(23)(CF₃)₄, C₈₄(23)(CF₃)₈, C₈₄(23)(CF₃)₁₀, C₈₄(23)(CF₃)₁₂, two isomers of C₈₄(23)(CF₃)₁₄, two isomers of C₈₄(23)(CF₃)₁₆, and C₈₄(23)(CF₃)₁₈ were discussed in terms of their addition patterns and the relative formation energies. Extensive theoretical DFT calculations were performed to identify the most stable molecular structures. It was found that the addition of CF₃ groups to the C₈₄(23) fullerene is governed by two main rules: no additions in positions of triple hexagon junctions and predominantly para additions in C₆(CF₃)₂ hexagons on the fullerene cage. The only exception with an isolated CF₃ group in C₈₄(23)(CF₃)₁₂ is discussed in more detail.     

Synthesis,Isolation and Structures of Trifluoromethylated Fullerenes D2‐C76, C76(1)(CF3)10–18

High‐temperature trifluoromethylation of fullerene C₇₆ chlorination products followed by HPLC separation of C₇₆(CF₃)_n derivatives resulted in the isolation and X‐ray structural characterization of thirteen C₇₆(1)(CF₃)_n compounds including nine new isomers such as one isomer of C₇₆(1)(CF₃)₁₀, two C₇₆(1)(CF₃)₁₂, three C₇₆(1)(CF₃)₁₄, one C₇₆(1)(CF₃)₁₆, and two isomers of C₇₆(1)(CF₃)₁₈. Depending on their addition patterns, C₇₆(1)(CF₃)_n isomers are divided into three subgroups and discussed in terms of trifluoromethylation pathways and relative formation energies.     

Molybdenum(VI) Bis(imido) Complexes: From Frustrated Lewis Pairs to Weakly Coordinating Cations

Molybdenum(VI) bis(imido) complexes [Mo(NtBu)₂(L^R)₂] (R=H 1 a ; R=CF₃ 1 b ) combined with B(C₆F₅)₃ ( 1 a /B(C₆F₅)₃, 1 b /B(C₆F₅)₃) exhibit a frustrated Lewis pair (FLP) character that can heterolytically split H−H, Si−H and O−H bonds. Cleavage of H₂ and Et₃SiH affords ion pairs [Mo(NtBu)(NHtBu)(L^R)₂][HB(C₆F₅)₃] (R=H 2 a ; R=CF₃ 2 b ) composed of a Mo(VI) amido imido cation and a hydridoborate anion, while reaction with H₂O leads to [Mo(NtBu)(NHtBu)(L^R)₂][(HO)B(C₆F₅)₃] (R=H 3 a ; R=CF₃ 3 b ). Ion pairs 2 a and 2 b are catalysts for the hydrosilylation of aldehydes with triethylsilane, with 2 b being more active than 2 a . Mechanistic elucidation revealed insertion of the aldehyde into the B−H bond of [HB(C₆F₅)₃]⁻. We were able to isolate and fully characterize, including by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis, the inserted products Mo(NtBu)(NHtBu)(L^R)₂][{PhCH₂O}B(C₆F₅)₃] (R=H 4 a ; R=CF₃ 4 b ). Catalysis occurs at [HB(C₆F₅)₃]⁻ while [Mo(NtBu)(NHtBu)(L^R)₂]⁺ (R=H or CF₃) act as the cationic counterions. However, the striking difference in reactivity gives ample evidence that molybdenum cations behave as weakly coordinating cations (WCC).     

Synthesis,Isolation and Structure of Trifluoromethylated Fullerene D3‐C78, C78(1)(CF3)10−18

High‐temperature trifluoromethylation of fullerene C₇₈ followed by HPLC separation of C₇₈(CF₃)_n derivatives resulted in the isolation and X‐ray structural characterization of 15 compounds, that is, two C₇₈(1)(CF₃)₁₀, three C₇₈(1)(CF₃)₁₂, four C₇₈(1)(CF₃)₁₄, and five C₇₈(1)(CF₃)₁₆ isomers as well as one isomer of C₇₈(1)(CF₃)₁₈. The addition patterns of the C₇₈(1)(CF₃)_n molecules are discussed in terms of trifluoromethylation pathways and relative formation energies.     

High-temperature and photochemical syntheses of C60 and C70 fullerene derivatives with linear perfluoroalkyl chains

New experimental results on perfluoroalkylation of C₆₀ and C₇₀ with the use of R_fI (R_f = CF₃, C₂F₅, n-C₃F₇, n-C₄F₉, and n-C₆F₁₃), along with a critical overview of the existing synthetic methods, are presented. For the selected new fullerene (R_f)_n compounds we report spectroscopic, electrochemical and structural data, including improved crystallographic data for the isomers of C₇₀(C₂F₅)₁₀ and C₆₀(C₂F₅)₁₀, and the first X-ray structural data for the dodecasubstituted perfluoethylated C₇₀ fullerene, C₇₀(C₂F₅)₁₂, which possesses unprecedented addition pattern.     

Capturing C90 Isomers as CF3 Derivatives: C90(30)(CF3)14, C90(35)(CF3)16/18, and C90(45)(CF3)16/18

High‐temperature trifluoromethylation of a C₉₀ isomeric mixture with CF₃I followed by HPLC separation of C₉₀(CF₃)_n isomers resulted in the isolation of several individual C₉₀(CF₃)_14?18 compounds. Single crystal X‐ray diffraction with the use of synchrotron radiation resulted in the structure determination of C₉₀(30)(CF₃)₁₄, C₉₀(35)(CF₃)_16/18, and C₉₀(45)(CF₃)_16/18. Their addition patterns are discussed and compared with the known isomers C₉₀(30)(CF₃)₁₈ and C₉₀(35)(CF₃)₁₄, respectively. The presence of the most stable C₉₀ isomer, C₉₀(45), in the fullerene soot has been confirmed for the first time.     

Fluoroalkyl Radical Generation by Homolytic Bond Dissociation in Pentacarbonylmanganese Derivatives

Thermal decarbonylation of the acyl compounds [Mn(CO)₅(COR_F)] (R_F=CF₃, CHF₂, CH₂CF₃, CF₂CH₃) yielded the corresponding alkyl derivatives [Mn(CO)₅(R_F)], some of which have not been previously reported. The compounds were fully characterized by analytical and spectroscopic methods and by several single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies. The solution-phase IR characterization in the CO stretching region, with the assistance of DFT calculations, has allowed the assignment of several weak bands to vibrations of the [Mn(¹²CO)₄(eq-¹³CO)(R_F)] and [Mn(¹²CO)₄(ax-¹³CO)(R_F)] isotopomers and a ranking of the R_F donor power in the order CF₃<CHF₂<CH₂CF₃≈CF₂CH₃. The homolytic Mn−R_F bond cleavage in [Mn(CO)₅(R_F)] at various temperatures under saturation conditions with trapping of the generated R_F radicals by excess tris(trimethylsilyl)silane yielded activation parameters ΔH^≠ and ΔS^≠ that are believed to represent close estimates of the homolytic bond dissociation thermodynamic parameters. These values are in close agreement with those calculated in a recent DFT study (J. Organomet. Chem. 2018 , 864, 12–18). The ability of these complexes to undergo homolytic Mn−R_F bond cleavage was further demonstrated by the observation that [Mn(CO)₅(CF₃)] (the compound with the strongest Mn−R_F bond) initiated the radical polymerization of vinylidene fluoride (CH₂=CF₂) to produce poly(vinylidene fluoride) in good yields by either thermal (100 °C) or photochemical (UV or visible light) activation.     

Azidoperfluoroalkanes: Synthesis and Application in Copper(I)‐Catalyzed Azide–Alkyne Cycloaddition

We report an efficient and scalable synthesis of azidotrifluoromethane (CF₃N₃) and longer perfluorocarbon‐chain analogues (R_FN₃; R_F=C₂F₅, ⁿ C₃F₇, ⁿ C₈F₁₇), which enables the direct insertion of CF₃ and perfluoroalkyl groups into triazole ring systems. The azidoperfluoroalkanes show good reactivity with terminal alkynes in copper(I)‐catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC), giving access to rare and stable N ‐perfluoroalkyl triazoles. Azidoperfluoroalkanes are thermally stable and the efficiency of their preparation should be attractive for discovery programs.     

Mono and Bisphosphonates from Perfluoro Olefins and Polyfunctional Fluoro Ketones. Syntheses,Molecular Structure and Derivatives

Perfluoroalkenyl phosphonates were formed along with Me₃SiF using CF₃CF=CF₂, CF₃CH=CF₂, F₅SCF=CF₂ or F₅SCH=CF₂ and silylated phosphites, (R¹O)₂POSiMe₃ (R¹=Et, SiMe₃). This straightforward method could be extended to perfluorobutadienes CF₂=C(R^F)C(R^F)=CF₂ (R^F F=F, CF₃). The formation of CF₃C(=O)P(=O)(OSiMe₃)₂ and further reactions to yield bisphosphonates will be described. Acetylphosphonates, R²C(=O)P(=O)(OSiMe₃)₂ (R²=CH₃, CF₃) reacted with the ketimine, CH₃C(=NiPr)Ph to give α-hydroxy-γ-imino phosphonates. Trifluoroacetylphenol and 2,6-bis(trifluoracetyl)-4-methyl-phenol have been proven to be versatile precursors for α-and γ-hydroxy phosphonates. Intermediates in these reactions were found to be cyclic λ⁵σ⁵P species.     

Fused-Pentagon Isomers of C60 Fullerene Isolated as Chloro and Trifluoromethyl Derivatives

The carbon cage of buckminsterfullerene I_h-C₆₀, which obeys the Isolated-Pentagon Rule (IPR), can be transformed to non-IPR cages in the course of high-temperature chlorination of C₆₀ or C₆₀Cl₃₀ with SbCl₅. The non-IPR chloro derivatives were isolated chromatographically (HPLC) and characterized crystallographically as ¹⁸⁰⁹C₆₀Cl₁₆, ¹⁸¹⁰C₆₀Cl₂₄, and ¹⁸⁰⁵C₆₀Cl₂₄, which contain, respectively two, four, and four pairs of fused pentagons in the carbon cage. High-temperature trifluoromethylation of the chlorination products with CF₃I afforded a non-IPR CF₃ derivative, ¹⁸⁰⁷C₆₀(CF₃)₁₂, which contains four pairs of fused pentagons in the carbon cage. Addition patterns of non-IPR chloro and CF₃ derivatives were compared and discussed in terms of the formation of stabilizing local substructures on fullerene cages. A detailed scheme of the experimentally confirmed non-IPR C₆₀ isomers obtained by Stone–Wales cage transformations is presented.     

Synthesen und Eigenschaften von Tetrakis(perfluoralkyl)tellur Te(Rf)4 (Rf = CF3, C2F5, C2F5, C3F7, C4F9)

Synthesis and Properties of Tetrakis(Perfluoroalkyl)Tellurium Te(R_f)₄ (R_f = CF₃, C₂F₅, C₃F₇, C₄F₉) Te(CF₃)₄ is obtained from the reaction of Te(CF₃)Cl₂ with Cd(CF₃)₂ complexes as a complex with e. g. CH₃CN, DMF. It is a light and temperature sensitive hydrolysable liquid. The reaction with fluorides yields the complex anion [Te(CF₃)₄F]^?, with fluoride ion acceptors the complex cation [Te(CF₃)₃]⁺. With traces of water an acidic solution is formed. Te(CF₃)₄ acts as a trifluoromethylation reagent. The reaction with XeF₂ gives hints for the formation of Ye(CF₃)₄F₂. Properties and NMR spectra are discussed. The much more stable complexes of Te(R_f)₄ (R_f = C₂F₅, C₃F₇, C₄F₉) are formed from the reaction of TeCl₄ with the corresponding Cd(R_f)₂ complexes.     

New types of asymmetrical bromonium salts [RF(RF′)Br]Y where RF and/or RF′ represent perfluorinated aryl, alkenyl, and alkynyl groups

A series of previously unknown asymmetrical fluorinated bis(aryl)bromonium, alkenyl(aryl)bromonium, and alkynyl(aryl)bromonium salts was prepared by reactions of C₆F₅BrF₂ or 4-CF₃C₆H₄BrF₂ with aryl group transfer reagents Ar′SiF₃ (Ar′ = C₆F₅, 4-FC₆H₄, C₆H₅) or perfluoroorganyl group transfer reagents R_F′BF₂ (R_F = C₆F₅, trans-CF₃CFCF, C₃F₇C≡C) preferentially in weakly coordinating solvents (CCl₃F, CCl₂FCClF₂, CH₂Cl₂, CF₃CH₂CHF₂ (PFP), CF₃CH₂CF₂CH₃ (PFB)). The presence of the base MeCN and the influence of the adducts R_F′BF₂·NCMe (R_F = C₆F₅, CF₃C≡C) on reactions aside to bromonium salt formation are discussed. Reactions of C₆F₅BrF₂ with Alk_F′BF₂ in PFP gave mainly C₆F₅Br and Alk_F′F (Alk_F′ = C₆F₁₃, C₆F₁₃CH₂CH₂), presumably, deriving from the unstable salts [C₆F₅(Alk_F′)Br]Y (Y = [Alk_F′BF₃]⁻). Prototypical reactivities of selected bromonium salts were investigated with the nucleophile I^-and the electrophile H⁺. [4-CF₃C₆H₄(C₆F₅)Br][BF₄] showed the conversion into 4-CF₃C₆H₄Br and C₆F₅I when reacted with [Bu₄N]I in MeCN. Perfluoroalkynylbromonium salts [C_nF_2n+1C≡C(R_F)Br][BF₄] slowly added HF when dissolved in aHF and formed [Z-C_nF_2n+1CFCH(R_F)Br][BF₄].     

Synthesis, structural investigation, and theoretical study of pentaf luoroethyl derivatives of [60]fullerene

Pentafluoroethyl derivatives of [60]fullerene C₆₀(C₂F₅)_n (n = 6, 8, and 10) were synthesized by the reaction of C₆₀ with C₂F₅I in glass ampoules at 380–440 °C. Isomers of composition C₆₀(C₂F₅)₆ (one isomer), C₆₀(C₂F₅)₈ (five isomers), and C₆₀(C₂F₅)10 (two isomers) were isolated by chromatographic separation. Their molecular structures were established by X-ray diffraction. The relative stabilities of isomers were compared by density functional theory calculations. Published in Russian in Izvestiya Akademii Nauk. Seriya Khimicheskaya, No. 5, pp. 881–887, May, 2007.     

The dynamics of formation of vibrationally excited HF in reactions of O (21 D2) atoms with partially fluorinated alkanes

The nascent vibrational energy distributions of the HF? formed in the reactions of a series of partially fluorinated alkanes (R_FH; R_F = CH₂F, CHF₂, CF₃, C₂F₅, C₃F₇, and C₇F₁₅) with electronically excited oxygen atoms O(2¹D₂) have been determined by measuring the appearance times of stimulated emissions from various vibration–rotation transitions in a grating-tuned optical cavity. The vibrational energy contents of the HF formed in these reactions were found to be considerably greater than statistically expected. These reactions are believed to occur via vibrationally excited short-lived α;-fluorinated alcohols (R_FOH?), formed by insertion of the O(2¹D₂) atoms into C? H bonds. The observation of nonstatistical energy partitioning in the above reactions is in clear contrast to the result obtained from the O(2¹D₂) + CF₃CH₃ reaction that produces the β-fluorinated alcohol CF₃CH₂OH, from which the HF product carries a near statistical vibrational energy distribution. A mechanism for HF? formation in these very exothermic reactions is presented.     

Studies on sulfinatodehalogenation XIII. Synthesis of 2-perfluoroalkyl-2-deoxy-D-glucose,mono- and poly-O-polyfluoroalkylated-D-glucoses

Sodium dithionite-initiated addition of R_FI (1) [R_F=1a, Cl(CF₂)₄; 1b, Cl(CF₂)₆; 1c, Cl(CF₂)₆; 1d, n-C₆F₁₃; 1e, n-C₃F₁₇] to the properly protected glucose derivatives 2, 9, 12 and 15 gave polyfluoroalkylated glucose derivatives 7, 11, 14 and 17 respectively in good yields after reduction and deprotection. These compounds are strongly surface active.     

Original fluorinated surfactants potentially non-bioaccumulable

This minireview updates non-exhaustive recent strategies of synthesis of original fluorosurfactants potentially non-bioaccumulable. Various strategies have been focused on (i) the preparation of CF₃–X–(CH₂)_n–SO₃Na (with X = O, C₆H₄O or N(CF₃) and n = 8–12), (ii) the oligomerization of hexafluoropropylene oxide (HFPO) to further synthesize oligo(HFPO)–CF(CF₃)CO–R_H (where R_H stands for an hydrophilic chain); (iii) the telomerization of vinylidene fluoride (VDF) with 1-iodopentafluoroethane or 1-iodononafluorobutane to produce C_nF_2n+1–(VDF)₂–CH₂CO₂R (n = 2 or 4, R = H or NH₄), (iv) the radical telomerization of 3,3,3-trifluoropropene (TFP) with isoperfluoropropyliodide or diethyl hydrogenophosphonate to prepare (CF₃)₂CF(TFP)_x–R_H or CF₃–CH₂–CH₂–(TFP)_y–P(O)(OH)₂, and (v) the radical cotelomerization of VDF and TFP, or their controlled radical copolymerization in the presence of (CF₃)₂CFI or a fluorinated xanthate. In most cases, the surface tensions versus the surfactant concentrations have been assessed. These above strategies led to various highly fluorinated (but yet not perfluorinated) telomers whose chemical changes enabled to obtain original surfactants as novel alternatives to perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), ammonium perfluorooctanoate (APFO), or perfluorooctylsulfonic acid (PFOS) regarded as bioaccumulable, persistent, and toxic.