Abstract: The invention provides a method for the preparation of a dicarbonyl compound of formula (I) R1COCFR2COR3 wherein R1 is selected from alkyl, substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, substituted aryl and acetoxy, R2 is selected from hydrogen, halogen, nitro, cyano, alkyl, substituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, acetoxy, aryl and substituted aryl, and R3 is selected from alkyl, substitued alkyl, oxyalkyl and substituted oxyalkyl, the method comprising treating a dicarbonyl compound of formula (II) R1COCHR2COR3 with elemental fluorine in a solvent which consists of methanol or aqueous methanol. The method provides an inexpensive and convenient synthetic route to 2-fluoro- and 2,2-difluoro-1,3-diketones and -1,3-ketoesters.

Abstract: The invention provides polyfluorinated aromatic or heterocyclic compounds comprising at least three ring substituents, at least one of which comprises a sulfurpentafluoride group and at least one of which comprises a labile group; methods for their preparation are also disclosed. Preferably, the compounds comprise either two sulfurpentafluoride groups or one sulfurpentafluoride group and one other polyfluorinated group, such as a trifluoromethyl group. Said labile group preferably comprises an amino, bromo or nitro group. Said compounds are useful in the preparation of medicaments.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of an N,N-disubstituted-2-fluoro-1,3-ketoamide having the formula RCO.CFR′CONR2″ comprises treating an N,N-disubstituted-1,3-ketoamide having the formula RCO.CHR′CONR2″ with elemental fluorine. The groups R, R′ and R″ are independently selected from alkyl, aryl, substituted aryl, cycloalkyl, and substituted cycloalkyl. The group R′ may also be nitro or chlorine.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of substituting a carbonyl compound with fluorine at the &agr;-position, comprising reaching the carbonyl compound with a fluorinating present of a metal-containing catalyst. The reaction results in replacement of a hydrogen atom by fluorine. The catalyst, which is used in a catalytically effective amount, is preferably a transition metal. In one class of methods the catalyst is a transition metal compound. In another class of methods, the catalyst is an elemental metal, in which case the carbonyl compound has an activating group attached to the carbon atom which is substituted by fluorine.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of a fluorinated Phosphonate having the formula (RO)2PO CFR′R″ comprises treating a phosphonate of the formula (RO)2PO CHR′R″, or a metal salt thereof, with fluorine. R is an alkyl group R′ is hydrogen or alkyl and R″ is hydrogen, alkyl or another group.

Abstract: Per(poly)fluorinated polyoxyethylated carbamates of general formula (I) in which R.sub.F represents a perfluorinated group containing between 1 and 18 carbon atoms, W represents an oxo group or nothing, n is an integer from 1 to 10, m is from values 2 to 6, 80 or not defined, R is an alkyl group, R.sub.F W(CH.sub.2).sub.n+1 NHC(O)-- in which R.sub.F and W are as defined above, --(CHCH.sub.3 CH.sub.2 O).sub.30 (CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2).sub.80 C(O)NH(CH.sub.2).sub.n+1 R.sub.F in which R.sub.F is a perfluorinated group containing from 1 to 18 carbon atoms, R' is a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group containing between 1 and 18 carbon atoms which is optionally substituted, an optionally substituted aryl or aralkyl group, an allyl, methallyl or propargyl group or a perfluorinated chain having between 1 and 18 carbon atoms.

Abstract: After the cryopreservation of living cells, the cells in a post-thaw recovery stage are supported by a gas permeable medium. This medium comprises at least one polyfluorinated compound. This compound may be gassed, for example with oxygen where oxygenation is required.

Abstract: The use of polar organic solvent as the solvent in the direct fluorination, to make an .alpha.-fluoroketone, of an enol ester or enol trialkylsilyl ether of a compound containing a tautomerisable ketone group, the solvent being relatively inert to fluorine and one in which the enol ester or enol trialkylsilyl ether is relatively stable to hydrolysis. Preferably the solvent is anhydrous, e.g. anhydrous acetonitrile. Alternatively commercial formic acid containing 3% water may be used with a said enol ester.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of an ester, especially fluorinated esters R.sub.1 O.OC--CHR.sub.2 --CO.OR.sub.3, R.sub.1 and R.sub.3 are each independently selected from alkyl, cycloalkyl and aryl. R.sub.2 is selected from hydrogen, alkyl, cycloalkyl. The method includes the steps of covering a corresponding compound of formula 2: R.sub.1 O.OC--CHR.sub.2 --CO.OR.sub.3 in the presence of a base, of salt of a compound of formula 2, into corresponding compound of formula 1 by the reaction of elemental fluorine.