Calcium mediated C–F bond substitution in fluoroarenes towards C–chalcogen bond formation

A new calcium chloride mediated C–F bond cleavage in electron deficient fluoroarenes followed by functionalisation via C–Se/Te bond formation has been achieved in the absence of any additive/ligand/organometallic reagent. A series of functionalised organo-selenides and -tellurides were obtained in high yields by this procedure. The precise role of calcium and the possible mechanism have been proposed based on DFT analysis.