Rowland Pettit Centennial Visiting Professorship - Véronique Gouverneur

The Gouverneur laboratory has developed new approaches for the synthesis of fluorochemicals for applications in the life sciences and in material science. This work has enhanced our fundamental understanding of alkali metal fluoride reactivity, and led to the invention of hydrogen bonding phase transfer catalysis (HBPTC), a new concept in organocatalysis opening new opportunities in organic chemistry. In this lecture, the discussion will focus on innovative approaches aimed at addressing the challenges currently facing the fluorochemical industry. One highlight is the demonstration that it is possible to convert naturally occurring fluorspar (CaF₂) into complex fluorochemicals applying a method that bypasses the necessity to form hydrofluoric acid, a toxic and highly dangerous acid. Another recent advance is the development of a method for the destruction of PFAS coupled with fluorine recovery in the spirit of a circular fluorine economy.