A process for the preparation a fluorinated acid of the formula R
f
COOH, wherein the process includes the step of contacting:
(i) a fluorinated alcohol of the formula R
f
CH
2
OH; and (ii) periodic acid;
wherein each R
f
is independently selected from linear, branched or cyclic hydrocarbyl of 1-12 carbon atoms having 1-25 fluorine atoms and any range there between; and wherein the contacting step is carried out in the presence of a catalyst and optionally in a reaction medium, at a temperature and length of time sufficient to produce the fluorinated acid.