The thermal decomposition of barium trifluoroacetate

A detailed analysis of the thermal decomposition of barium trifluoroacetate under different atmospheres is presented. Thermogravimetry, differential thermal analysis, and evolved gas analysis have been used for this in situ analysis. The presence of oxygen significantly advances the decomposition, while the presence of water vapor has a minor effect. The process is exothermic, the heat evolved being significantly larger in the presence of oxygen. The final product is BaF2, which is stable up to 1200 °C. The underlying mechanism has been disclosed thanks to MS analysis of the volatiles formed during decomposition.

► Thermal decomposition of barium trifluoroacetate: a mechanism is proposed.
► The decomposition depends on the oxygen partial pressure.
► The decomposition entails de formation of CO, CO2 and CF3CFO.
► The decomposition is an exothermic process.
► Product: face-centered BaF2. BaF2 is stable up to 1200 °C.