C-F bond activation in fluorinated carbonyl compounds by chromium monocations in the gas phase

The Cr+-assisted hydrolytic C-F bond activation in the gas phase reported recently for hexafluoroacetone applies also to other fluorinated carbonyl compounds. C-F bond hydrolysis is observed for monofluoroacetone, 1,1,1-trifluoroacetone, pentafluorobenzaldehyde, and 2,3,4,5,6-pentafluoroacetophenone. However, the diversity of the carbonyl group's substituents is paralleled by an increase of the hitherto small number of reaction channels, thus allowing for alternative ways of C-F bond activation as well. Both complexation and C-F bond activation of the organic substrates in the gas phase have been investigated by means of FT-ICR mass spectrometry.