Consecutive Transformations of Tetrafluoropropenes: Hydrogermylation and Catalytic C−F Activation Steps at a Lewis Acidic Aluminum Fluoride

Functionalization reactions of the refrigerants HFO‐1234yf (2,3,3,3‐tetrafluoropropene) and HFO‐1234ze (1,3,3,3‐tetrafluoropropene) were developed. The selectivity and reactivity towards CF₃ groups of C−F activation reactions can be controlled by employing either a germane or a silane as the hydrogen source. Unique transformations were designed to accomplish consecutive hydrogermylation and C−F activation steps. This allowed for an unprecedented transformation of an olefinic C−F bond into a C−H bond by heterogeneous catalysis. These reactions are catalyzed by nanoscopic aluminum chlorofluoride (ACF) under very mild conditions.