Investigation of CF2 carbene on the surface of activated charcoal in the synthesis of trifluoroiodomethane via vapor-phase catalytic reaction

This paper investigates the synthetic mechanism of trifluoroiodomethane (CF3I) in the reaction of trifluoromethane and iodine via vapor-phase catalytic reaction. It is suggested that CF2 carbene is the key intermediate and is formed in the pyrolysis process of CHF3 at high temperature. However, in pyrolysis of CHF3 under activated charcoal (AC) existing conditions, no C2F4 was detected. H2 and 2-methyl-2-butene could not trap the CF2 carbene. When treating the remained compounds on the used AC with H2, CH4 is formed on the process. It is proposed that CF2 carbene combines with AC strongly and transfers into CF3 radical on heat. In addition, it is found that the AC is not only the catalyst supporter to form CF3I, but also a co-catalyst to promote the formation of CF2 carbene and CF3 radical.