Fluoridepromoted

Fluoridepromoted is a term used in chemistry and materials science to describe a class of processes in which fluoride ion or fluoride-containing species act as promoters, increasing the rate, yield, or selectivity of a transformation. The promotion may arise from direct participation of fluoride in the reaction mechanism or from its ability to modify the electronic or structural environment of reactive centers.

In homogeneous catalysis and organometallic chemistry, fluoride can function as a ligand or counterion that stabilizes cationic metal intermediates, modulates oxidation state, or facilitates ligand redistribution. It may assist in generating highly reactive species, such as cationic metal centers, by abstracting halides or by forming strong M–F interactions that lower barriers. In silicon- and boron-containing chemistry, fluoride forms strong bonds with Si or B, enabling activation of substrates via Si–F or B–F interactions or by enhancing leaving-group ability; in solid-state chemistry and materials processing, fluoride-promoted processes include etching or surface modification through formation of volatile fluorides such as SiF4, or by altering surface charges.

Because the term encompasses a broad set of systems, the precise mechanism of promotion varies and is often determined by the nature of the fluoride source (e.g., free fluoride ions, metal fluorides, or hydrofluoric acid), the solvent, and the substrate. Researchers assess promotion through kinetic studies, mechanistic probes, and characterization of intermediates. Safety and handling considerations are important due to the corrosivity of fluoride sources.