Research Projects

Fluorinated molecules often exhibit unusual physical and biological properties, which originate from fluorine present in them. Fluorinated molecules find wide range of applications as pharmaceuticals [ agrochemicals polymers blowing agents lubricants refrigerants artificial blood substitutes etc. Preparation of fluorinated molecules from non-fluorinated molecules invariably involves fluorination. However, fluorination of organic molecules is technically different from other halogenations reactions. When compared to other halogenations; fluorination using elemental fluorine is an extremely exothermic reaction. Fluorine gas is a highly corrosive and hazardous chemical and difficult to use in a process. Hence, application of fluorine at industrial scale could be considered as an extreme technology as reactions of fluorine gas with organic molecules are being highly violent. Because of such limitations, there is a need to identify alternative fluorine sources applicable as fluorinating agents . Among the available alternatives, anhydrous hydrofluoric acid is the best choice. Though anhydrous hydrofluoric acid also is a corrosive and toxic gas and incompatibility with normal laboratory glassware, it is inexpensive and relatively convenient for handling even in large quantities. The demand for fluorinated chemicals is steadily increasing all over the world. Pharma and Agro industries are vital for the economic growth of our country and these industries are heavily depending on China and other countries for supply of several fluoro intermediates and importing in large volumes spending huge amount of foreign exchange. Research work engaged in at Present: After joining Fluoro Organic Divison, IICT (i.e. since 30.08.2005), I have been activity engaged in various projects on synthesis of fluorinated organic molecules using anhydrous hydrogen fluoride as a fluorinating agent. I have got opportunity to work on catalytic vapor phase fluorination of hexafluoropropane to obtain hepatafluoropropane, which is a well known fire- extinguisher for strategic applications. Besides this, As a project leader and team member some of the important projects successfully completed include: 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (HFC-134a), 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane (FM-200), trifluoroethanol, trifluoroacetic acid, 1-chloro-2,2-difluoroethane, chlorotrifluoroethylene , 2,3,3,3- tetrafluoropropene ( HFO-1234yf), 152a ( 1,1-difluoroethane) from Vinyl Chloride for preparation of VDF vinydine di fluoride etc., and transferred technologies to Indian industries and other countries. CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT) is committed to our countries ‘make in India’ program and Fluoro- Agrochemicals Department is poised to contribute in achieving self sufficiency in pharma and agro sectors by developing economically viable processes for some of the identified important fluoro intermediates.