Where Does the Fluorine Come From? A Review on the Challenges Associated with the Synthesis of Organofluorine Compounds

Fluorinated organic molecules are increasingly being prepared for a variety of applications, including pharmaceutical products. However, the supply chain to access the necessary raw materials, which originate primarily from calcium fluoride, is often not considered, may be difficult to access at commercial scale, and has become destabilized as more stringent environmental policies are justifiably enforced. This manuscript presents an overview of the preparation and use of simple organofluorinated intermediates and reagents and the challenges associated with them.