Green chemistry aspects of fluorous techniques—opportunities and challenges for small-scale organic synthesis

Described in this paper is a personal overview of the green chemistry aspects of fluorous technologies. The unique phase separation and broad combinatorial capabilities of fluorous technologies have led to the development of fluorous chromatography-free separations, chemical recycling techniques, atom economic reactions, energy-focused microwave reactions, metal-free organocatalysis, aqueous media reactions, and modified reagents. These green chemistry techniques have been demonstrated in discovery chemistry, medicinal chemistry, and academic research labs dealing with small-scale organic synthesis. Issues such as the environmental impact of fluorous chemicals are also discussed.