Ionic liquid-assisted hydroalkoxylation of hexafluoropropene with 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol: A mechanistic consideration

CF3CHFCF2OCH2CF3 (1,1,2,3,3,3-hexafluoropropyl-2′,2′,2′2′,2′,2′-trifluoroethylether), one of the third generation CFC alternatives, was obtained in high yield and selectivity from the hydroalkoxylation reaction of hexafluoropropene with 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol conducted in the presence of a catalytic system consisting of a potassium salt and an ionic liquid, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([BMIm]Cl). The formation of commonly observed olefinic side products in the hydroalkoxylation catalyzed by potassium salts was greatly reduced by the co-presence of [BMIm]Cl. Theoretical calculations and mechanistic studies suggested that potassium ion is largely responsible for the formation of olefinic side products.

Graphical abstractCF3CHFCF2OCH2CF3 was obtained in high yield and selectivity from the hydroalkoxylation reaction of hexafluoropropene with 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol in the presence of a catalytic system consisting of K3PO4 and [BMIm]Cl.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (13 K)Download as PowerPoint slide