Direct fluorination of gamma-butyrolactone

gamma -Butyrolactone was fluorinated by molecular fluorine to obtain its mo no-fluorinated derivatives for possible lithium battery electrolyte applica tion. The reaction was carried out at 30 degreesC by introducing 20% F-2/N- 2 gas into gamma -butyrolactone without solvent. Major products were beta - fluoro-gamma -butyrolactone and gamma -fluoro-gamma -butyrolactone, which c annot be obtained by conventional organic synthesis. Selectivity to gamma - isomer was enhanced by the addition of NaF as a HF scavenger. (C) 2001 Else vier Science B.V. All rights reserved.