Metal-free reduction of the greenhouse gas sulfur hexafluoride, formation of SF5 containing ion pairs and the application in fluorinations

Abstract

A protocol for the fast and selective two-electron reduction of the potent greenhouse gas sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆) by organic electron donors at ambient temperature has been developed. The reaction yields solid ion pairs consisting of donor dications and SF₅-anions which can be effectively used in fluorination reactions.