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.