Ionic liquid-catalyzed selective production of hydrofluoroether: Synthesis of a third generation CFC alternative, CF3CH2OCHFCF2CF3

A hydrofluoroether, one of the third generation chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) alternatives, CF3CH2OCF2CHFCF3 was obtained in high yield and selectivity from the hydroalkoxylation reaction of hexafluoropropylene and 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol conducted in the presence of an imidazolium-based ionic liquid catalyst such as 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bicarbonate, or 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium carbonate. By using these ionic liquids, the formation of difficult-to-remove unsaturated side products was effectively suppressed.

Graphical abstractAn imidazolium-based catalyst, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate ([BMIm]AcO), was highly effective for the hydroalkoxylation reaction of hexafluoropropene with 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol to produce 1,1,2,3,3,3-hexafluoropropyl-2′,2′,2′-trifluoroethylether in high yield and selectivity.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide