Simultaneous conversion of CHClF2 and CH3Br to CH2CF2

Gas phase reaction of CHClF2 with CH3Br in an alumina tube reactor at 773–1123 K as a function of various input ratios of CH3Br to CHClF2 is presented. The major products detected include C2F4, CH2CF2, and CH4. Minor products include CH3Cl, CHF3, C2H4, C2H2, CH2CF–CF3, and C2H3F. The reaction produces a high yield of CH2CF2 (53% based on CHClF2 feed) at 1123 K and an input molar ratio of CH3Br to CHClF2 of 1.8, suggesting that the reaction potentially can be developed as a process to convert two ozone depleting substances (CHClF2 and CH3Br) to a highly valuable chemical, CH2CF2. The reaction of CHClF2 with CH3Cl and CH3I was also investigated under similar reaction conditions, to assist in understanding the reaction chemistry involved in the reaction of CHClF2 with CH3Br.