What Are Fluorinated Metal Complexes?
Fluorinated metal complexes are coordination compounds formed by combining fluoride ions (F-) or fluorinated organic ligands (e.g., β-diketone, trifluoromethyl pyridine, etc.) as a ligand with a central metal atom or ion via a coordination bond. The central features of these complexes are the high electronegativity (3.98) and small atomic size (covalent radius of about 64 pm) of fluorine, resulting in a significantly stronger coordination ability than other halogens. Fluorine's strong σ-donor ability and weak π-acceptor properties allow it to form bonds with metals with high bond energies, which endows the complexes with excellent thermal stability, chemical inertness, and unique electronic structures.
Typical compositions:
including transition metals (e.g., Cu, Fe, Co, Ni), rare earth metals (e.g., Y, Eu), and main group metals (e.g., Al, Mg).
e.g. Hexafluoroacetylacetone (Hhfac), trifluoromethylbenzoic acid (TFA), fluorinated β-diketones, etc.
Tetramethylethylenediamine (TMEDA), pyridine derivatives, etc., are used to regulate coordination number and space configuration.
