Present invention relates to a process for the manufacture of fluorinated alcohols as well as borates which are employed in the manufacture of the fluorinated alcohols. Fluorinated alcohols of the formulae HOCHRCF(CF3)CHFCF(CF3)2 and HOCHRCF(CF(CF3)2)CHFCF3, HOCHRCF(CF2CF3)CH(CF3)2 and HOCHRC(CF3)2CHFCF2CF3 are made by heating a mixture of a borate of the formula (RCH2O)3B, wherein R═H or a C1 to C7 alkyl group, with perfluoro-4-methyl-2-pentene or perfluoro-2-methyl-2-pentene and a free-radical initiator to form a mixture of borates, optionally separating the mixture of borates from any reactants, solvents, and by-products; hydrolyzing the mixture of borates to form a hydrolysis product mixture; and separating the alcohols from the hydrolysis product mixture.