Oxidation of hexafluoropropylene with molecular oxygen

The results of the oxidation of hexafluoropropylene (HFP) to hexafluoropropylene oxide (HFPO) have been presented. The oxidation was carried out in an autoclave within the range of temperatures of 120 - 170°C and in the presence of an organic solvent (carbon tetrachloride). Molecular oxygen was used here as an oxidizing agent. The influence of: the molar ratio of HFP/O from 13.4 to 4.09:1, the process temperature, the addition of inert gas (nitrogen) from 4 to 18 atm and the periodical dosing of oxygen were investigated. The functions describing the process were: the conversion of HFP and the yield of HFPO in relation to HFP consumed. The presented process is very interesting owing to a wide application of HFPO.