Prevention of anode fouling during the electrochemical perfluorination of aromatic carboxylic acid chlorides

The electrochemical perfluorination of benzoyl chloride, p-substituted benzoyl chlorides and cyclo-hexane carboxylic acid chloride in anhydrous hydrogen fluoride (AHF) medium on nickel electrode is reported. Experimental conditions suppressing polymeric film formation on the electrode are optimized. Addition of 1 wt.% dimethyl sulfide based on the volume of AHF in the initial stage of electrochemical fluorination and maintenance of the reactant and intermediate concentrations below a critical level ensured electrochemical fluorination of all the reactants without fouling of the electrode surface. Presence of p-substituents in the benzene ring improved the selectivity of alicyclic perfluoro carboxylic acid. GC/MS and ¹⁹F NMR data for the major perfluorinated products are reported.