Synthesis of trifluoromethyl fluoroformate from trifluoromethyl hypofluorite and carbon monoxide: Thermal and catalyzed reaction

New and improved routes to trifluoromethyl fluoroformate were developed. Sterically hindered halogenated olefins initiated the reaction of CF3OF and CO under mild conditions, giving yields of up to 80%. The thermal reaction of CF3OF and CO in a flow system was highly dependent on temperature and the type of tubular reactor material. A PTFE reactor gave moderate conversion and high selectivity for the formate at 120 °C.