5. Use of perfluorinated fluids

A new method using the unique properties of liquid perfluorocarbons resembles, in some respects, phase transfer catalysis or micellar reactions because, starting from a liquid-liquid two-phase medium (e.g., perfluoroalkane and organic solvent) in which the reactants are distributed between the two phases, a change in temperature makes the system homogeneous. After the reaction, returning to normal temperature restores the heterogeneous nature of the system, allowing for easier separation of the products.

Many reactions have been studied under these conditions, for example:

• hydroformylation of...