Density functional studies of the reactivity in the C–F bond activation of fluoromethane by bare lanthanum monocation

The potential energy surface and reaction mechanism corresponding to the reaction of lanthanum monocation with fluoromethane, which represents a prototype of the activation of C–F bond in fluorohydrocarbons by bare lanthanide cations, have been investigated for the first time by using density functional theory. A direct fluorine abstraction mechanism was revealed, namely after coordination of CH3F to La+, electron transfer from La+ to the fluorine takes place, which favours the homolytic cleavage of the C–F bond to form LaF+ species and methyl radical. The related thermochemistry data involved in reaction of La++CH3F were determined, which can act as a guide for further experimental researches. The electron-transfer reactivity of the reaction was analyzed by using a state correlation diagram, in which a strongly avoided crossing behaviour on the transition state region was shown. The calculated state split energy between the ground and excited state on the transition state is 18.01 kcal mol−1. The reaction of La+ with CH3F was concluded to process in the adiabatic potential surface. The present results support the reaction mechanism inferred early from experimental data.