| abstract |
A process for the preparation of one or more of CHClFCF3 (HCFC-124), CHF2CClF2 (HCFC-124a) and CHF2CF3 (HFC-125) by reaction of perchloroethylene with hydrogen fluoride in a single stage reaction vessel in the presence of a fluorination catalyst. These compounds are useful in a variety of industrial applications including blowing agents, refrigerants, sterilant gases and solvent applications. Distilling the reaction product produces a distillate comprising HCl, CHClFCF3, CHF2CClF2 and CHF2CF3 and a minor amount of HF which distillate is scrubbed to remove the acids. The bottoms product comprises perchloroethylene, hydrogen fluoride and organic by-products which is phase separated to sequester the hydrogen fluoride from the mixture of perchloroethylene and organic by-products. The hydrogen fluoride and mixture of perchloroethylene with organic by-products are then preferably re-mixed at a controlled rate and recycled to the reaction vessel. |