Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are of increasing concern due to their environmental persistence and adverse effects on health. The recovery of fluoride from the decomposition of concentrated sources of PFAS (e.g., refrigerants, protective coatings, and foams) enables a circular economy. Recent efforts have largely focused on one-pot, transfer fluorination strategies, with limited examples of forming isolable fluoride reagents, which represent the broadest opportunities for valorization. Here, we establish a direct electrochemical strategy to recycle nonpolymeric PFAS into a range of synthetically important fluoride reagents. The choice of electrolyte and solvent is critical in controlling whether fluoride or bifluoride ions are generated, enabling selective access to distinct reagents. These findings establish electrochemistry as a powerful and versatile platform for transforming environmentally persistent PFAS waste into valuable chemical resources.
Dorchies et al. (Mon,) studied this question.