9 - The curious world of fluorinated molecules fluorine in the ecosphere

Abstract

The chemistry of fluorinated compounds was essentially established by humans. Yet, fluorinated molecules have been present in our daily lives for a long time, be it as a nonstick coating for pans or as liquid crystals that are used in every smartphone, or as an important component of herbicides, pesticides, and pharmaceuticals. However these compounds are also released into nature and interact with plants and bacteria. Little is known about how nature adapts to increasing exposure to fluorinated molecules. In this chapter we want to shed light on the paths that fluorine takes in the ecosphere. We will discuss what nature does with these molecules and how nature itself produces fluorinated molecules. This is important in the context of the development of sustainable concepts in chemistry in order to conserve resources and tackle climate change.