| abstract |
An α-fluoromethoxycarboxylic ester represented by the general formula (1): (CF3)2C(OCH2F)COOR (wherein R is an optionally substituted hydrocarbon group), which is a novel compound; a process for producing 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoroisopropyl fluoromethyl ether, characterized by hydrolyzing and decarboxylating the α-fluoromethoxycarboxylic ester; and a process for producing an α-fluoromethoxycarboxylic ester represented by the general formula (1): (CF3)2C(OCH2F)COOR, characterized by reacting an α-hydroxycarboxylic ester represented by the general formula (2): (CF3)2C(OH)COOR with a halofluoromethane in the presence of an alkaline compound. Thus, 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoroisopropyl fluoromethyl ether (sevoflurane), which is known as a compound having anesthetic activity, can be efficiently produced at low cost. |