A facile method has been developed for the synthesis and characterization of volatile 1,1,1,2,3,3,3- heptafluoropropane (HFC-227ea), a potential non-ozone depleting hydrofluorocarbon substitute for Halon 1301 (CF3Br). The method involves hydrofluorination of hexafluoropropene using in situ generated onium bifluoride obtained from the decomposition of anhydrous tetrabutylammonium fluoride. The reagent acts as an excellent equivalent to hydrogen fluoride and permits the use of normal glassware.