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

CF3CHFCF2OCH2CF3 (1,1,2,3,3,3-hexafluoropropyl-image-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.