Process improvements in the electrochemical fluorination of octanoyl chloride

The electrochemical fluorination of octanoyl chloride to produce perfluorooctanoyl fluoride in anhydrous hydrogen fluoride was investigated. The study was carried out in a microprocessor-aided modified Simons reactor system using a Cu/CuF₂ reference electrode. The formation of polymeric tar at the anode surface was limited by the addition of a mercaptan compound and by constant current density operation. Continuous operation was achieved through frequent additions of a solution of hydrogen fluoride and reactant. Conversion of reactant to perfluorinated products was improved to 80 % with good selectivity. Experimental results of this investigation are presented and discussed. ca]To whom correspondence should be addressed.