Fluorochemicals

Why in news?

• Researchers at the University of Oxford have achieved a groundbreaking breakthrough by developing a new technique to produce fluorochemicals without using hazardous hydrogen fluoride (HF) gas.

What are Fluorochemicals and how are they produced?

• Fluorochemicals are essential chemical compounds used in various industries, including polymers, agrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, and lithium-ion batteries.
• They are known for their unique properties, including high thermal stability and resistance to chemicals.
• Traditionally, fluorochemicals are produced through an energy-intensive process involving the use of hazardous hydrogen fluoride (HF) gas.
• HF is generated by reacting a crystalline mineral called fluorspar (CaF2) with sulfuric acid under harsh conditions. This process has safety risks and environmental consequences due to HF spills.

What is the New Method?

• Inspired by the natural biomineralization process that forms teeth and bones, researchers successfully activated solid-state calcium fluoride (CaF2) through a mechanochemical process.
• This innovative method, named Fluoromix, allows for the direct synthesis of over 50 different fluorochemicals from CaF2 with impressive yields of up to 98%. 

Significance

• The new approach has the potential to enhance safety and environmental impact, streamline the supply chain, and reduce energy demands in the rapidly expanding global fluorochemical industry.

PRACTICE QUESTION:

Fluorochemicals finds common application in which of the following sectors:

1. Agrochemicals

2. Pharmaceuticals

3. Battery manufacturing

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 3 only

(b) 2 only

(c) 1 and 2 only

(d) 1,2 and 3

Answer