Selective Defluorination of 1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane by Lithium Phosphide Reagents

Abstract

1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134a), the most commonly used 3rd generation refrigerant, reacts with lithium phosphide reagents through selective defluorophosphination of the single C(sp³)-F bond to yield diphenyl(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)phosphane. DFT calculations were used to rationalise the most likely pathways and origin of selectivity. The new phosphane was demonstrated as a ligand for transition metals and its electronic and steric properties compared to structurally similar analogues.