The direct synthesis of trifluoronitromethane, CF3NO2

Trifluoronitromethane, CF3NO2, can be prepared in one step in about 35% yield from the direct photolysis of iodotrifluoromethane, CF3I, and nitrogen dioxide, NO2, with diazo (superblue) light (λmax=420 nm). The IR and multi-nuclei NMR data of CF3NO2 agree with the literature. In addition, 15N enriched (>99%) CF3NO2 was prepared and studied spectroscopically. Purification of CF3NO2 (and CF315NO2) was enhanced by taking advantage of the relative fluoride ion affinities of the byproducts and the use of adsorbents, such as cesium fluoride, CsF, and aluminum fluoride, AlF3.