Fluorine Chemistry with Global Challenges in Mind

Talk 1. Fluorine Chemistry with Global Challenges in Mind
Talk 2. Fluorination under Hydrogen Bonding Phase-transfer Catalysis

Talk 1 Abstract: Fluorochemicals are key for fundamental and applied sciences including applications in medicine, agrochemistry and material science. The first global challenge that will be discussed in this lecture is the continuous necessity for new diagnostic agents and medicines, and how our programme on 18F-Radiochemistry for Positron Emission Tomography Imaging can accelerate innovation. The challenges facing the fluorochemical industry will be presented next, calling for the invention of safe and sustainable manufacturing processes. Specifically, this lecture will present new pathways to reinvent fluorine chemistry with methodologies that convert fluorspar into critically needed fluorine-containing molecules applying operationally simple and energy- effective methods that bypass the production of dangerous hydrogen fluoride.

Talk 2 Abstract: The economic impact of catalysis is significant contributing 30–40% of global GDP. In this context, phase-transfer catalysis is a powerful manifold for asymmetric synthesis. Chiral cationic or anionic PTC strategies have enabled a variety of transformations, yet studies on the use of insoluble inorganic salts as nucleophiles for the synthesis of enantioenriched molecules have remained elusive. A long-standing challenge is the development of methods for asymmetric carbon–fluorine bond formation from cost-effective alkali metal fluorides. In this lecture, we will describe in details how hydrogen-bond donor catalysts can provide a solution to enantioselective nucleophilic fluorination through controlled fluoride binding.