A Groundbreaking Discovery in Fluorine Chemistry

In a remarkable scientific feat, a collaborative team from Freie Universität Berlin and the French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS), alongside Université de Lorraine in Metz, France, has shattered long-held beliefs about the chemistry of fluorinated compounds. With cutting-edge quantum chemical simulations, they have demonstrated for the first time that heavy fluorine atoms can ‘tunnel’—a phenomenon where atoms transition between distinct states.

The Significance of Fluorinated Compounds

Fluorinated compounds touch our everyday lives in diverse ways. They enhance the absorption of medications, boost the efficiency of cellphone batteries, and fluoride in toothpaste helps combat cavities. However, with the rise of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), concerns over their impact on human health and the environment are escalating.

Decoding the Mystery Behind Fluorine Interactions

To delve deeper into the complex dynamics of fluorine, the researchers are part of the Collaborative Research Center (CRC) 1349, focusing on ‘Fluorine-Specific Interactions.’ Under the guidance of Professor Sebastian Hasenstab-Riedel and Professor Beate Paulus, alongside Professor Jean Christophe Tremblay, this groundbreaking study has unveiled a unique interaction involving fluorine.

More than a decade ago, Hasenstab-Riedel's team stumbled upon a bizarre molecule in a neon crystal at an astonishing -270°C. This elusive anion, made up of five highly charged fluorine atoms, defied expectations by exhibiting unexpected stability despite being considered unstable.

Unveiling the 'Fluoro Wall'