Selective CF Bond Activation: Substitution of Unactivated Alkyl Fluorides using YbI 3

F makes the break: The carbon–fluorine single bond is quite strong, thus making aliphatic CF bond scission unusually challenging. A new methodology utilizing YbI3 leads to the conversion of a CF bond into a CI bond, and is compatible with various functional groups. The reaction is exceptionally selective towards alkyl fluorides and proceeds under mild conditions.