A team of researchers from the University of Oxford, UK, has developed an innovative approach to producing fluorochemicals without the need for hazardous hydrogen fluoride. Traditionally, fluorochemicals are derived from fluorspar using concentrated sulfuric acid at high temperatures, producing toxic hydrogen fluoride. The new method utilizes oxalic acid to convert fluorspar into a range of fluorochemicals under mild conditions in water at room temperature. This process eliminates the risks associated with handling hydrogen fluoride. The team's method involves mixing fluorspar, oxalic acid, and either boric acid or silicon dioxide in water to produce calcium oxalate and either fluoroboric acid or hexafluorosilicic acid. These solutions can then be further processed to obtain various fluorochemicals. Notably, oxalic acid, a key component of this process, can be sourced from carbon dioxide or biomass, making it a more sustainable alternative to fossil fuel-derived sulfuric acid. The new approach represents a significant advancement in fluorine chemistry, offering a safer and more environmentally friendly method for fluorochemical production. While challenges exist in terms of commercialization, such as the cost of oxalic acid, researchers remain optimistic about its potential impact on the industry. The innovative technique demonstrates that there are viable alternatives to traditional methods reliant on hydrogen fluoride, opening up new possibilities for the decarbonization and defossilization of chemical production.