The potential energy surface and reaction mechanism corresponding to the reaction of ytterbium monocation with fluoromethane, which represents a prototype of the activation of C-F bond in fluorohydrocarbons by bare lanthanide cations, have been investigated for the first time by using density functional theory. A direct fluorine abstraction mechanism was revealed, and the related thermochemistry data were determined. The electron-transfer reactivity of the reaction was analyzed using the two-state model, and a strongly avoided crossing behavior on the transition state region was shown. The present results support the reaction mechanism inferred from early experimental data and the related thermochemistry data can provide a guide for further experimental researches. The potential energy surface and reaction mechanism corresponding to the reaction of ytterbium monocation with fluoromethane, which represents a prototype of the activation of CF bond in fluorohydrocarbons by bare lanthanide cations, have been investigated for the first time by using density functional theory. A direct fluorine abstraction mechanism was revealed, and the related thermochemistry data were determined. The electron-transfer reactivity of the reaction was analyzed using the two-state model, and a strongly avoided crossing behavior on the transition state region was shown. The present results support the reaction mechanism inferred from early experimental data and the related thermochemistry data can provide a guide for further experimental researches.