Low-temperature fluorination of aerosol suspensions of hydrocarbons utilizing elemental fluorine

The extension of the aerosol fluorination technique to molecules possessing different hydrogen environments on the molecules has proceeded to include acyl halides, ketones, alkyl halides, amines, and thioethers. Results on the fluorination of molecules with primary, secondary, and tertiary hydrogens is also included, as is the effect of admitting boron trifluoride into the aerosol direct fluorination of neopentane. The aerosol direct fluorination of ketones indicates the carbonyl group remains intact and the major product is the F-ketone, although in some instances acid fluorides result. The use of photochemical excitation of the fluorination reaction is developed further and to date provides the most effective/efficient method for the complete conversion of hydrocarbons to perfluorocarbons. Preliminary optimization of reaction parameters has led to significant yield increases. Aerosol fluorination of larger less volatile molecules is proceeding and virtually no reduction in reactor efficiency has been noted. (Author)