Preparation of trifluoroiodomethane via vapor-phase catalytic reaction between hexafluoropropylene oxide and iodine

Based on our previous investigation on the reaction mechanism to produce difluorocarbene and subsequent CF3I starting with CHF3 and I2, a new route for preparing CF3I at a relative low temperature, 200 °C, has been developed via a vapor-phase catalytic reaction between hexafluoropropylene oxide with I2 in the presence of KF supported on activate charcoal as a catalyst. The influence of reaction temperature and reaction time on the amount of CF3I was investigated. In the reaction process, coke-formation was suggested on the surface of catalysts by means of BET, XPS and TG-DTA analysis. The process for the formation of CF3I and by-products is also discussed.