Robert G. Syvret

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

ABOUT ROBERT G. SYVRET

Ph.D. fluorine chemist with 35+ year industrial experience creating new molecules, developing new process technology, and commercializing a number of new high-value products. Hands-on experience with new molecule synthesis for applications in electronics (fluorine etchants and deposition agents), pharmaceuticals (fluorinated steroids, nucleotides, and aromatics), agricultural (fluorinated herbicides, and pesticides), low-GWP refrigerants and foam expansion agents, fluorinated monomers and polymers, fluorosurfactants, inorganic fluorine compounds, and battery materials (Li-ion battery electrolytes, additives and solvents). Extensive experience in the safe use and handling of the most powerful oxidizers including 100% F2 and ClF3, and many other hazardous chemicals including HF, SF4, pyrophoric compounds (SiH4, TSA, and Si2H6), reducing agents (LiAlH4), and PFAS compounds. Technical leader that delivered successful commercial products including Selectfluor (I) and (II) Electrophilic Fluorination Agents, DeoxoFluor reagent, and improved process technology for important commercial products that include NF3, SiF4, C4F6, and F2. Experienced with synthesis and process chemistry of reactive hydrides and pyrophoric gases, liquids, and solid materials with photovoltaic and semiconductor applications (developed novel fluorine compounds for RIE). Led the HF-based halogen exchange and heterogeneous catalyst process R&D in support of the 4th generation low-GWP fluorochemicals 1234yf and 1233zd as well as new fluorine molecule development with specialized applications in electronics (etchants), batteries (Li-ion electrolytes and additives), and biologically active systems. Experienced with synthesis. purification, and metrology methods development for high-purity fluorochemicals, specialty gases, and liquid precursors used in semiconductor materials processing as etchants and deposition agents. Experienced testifying Expert Witness in fluorine chemistry, fluorochemicals manufacturing technology and process chemistry - Expert in a patent infringement trial and in PFAS litigation. Recipient of the 2020 ACS National Award for Creative Work in Fluorine Chemistry. Specialties: New molecule creation, process development, and optimization, scale up, trouble-shooting, hazards recognition and assessment, analytical methods development, product stewardship, safety testing, and patent preparation and litigation.