CW-CO2 laser-induced and SF6-sensitized decomposition of trifluoroacetic anhydride

CW -CO 2 laser-induced and SF 6 -sensitized decomposition of trifluoroacetic anhydride affords carbonyl fluoride, carbon monoxide and trifluoroacetyl fluoride, the products different from those given by a conventional heating. The products and the kinetics of the laser-induced reaction reflect a different behaviour of presumably formed transient . CF 2 CO 2 . biradical under conditions precluding heterogeneous reaction on the reactor walls and point out that the fate of the . CF 2 CO 2 . species formed during the laser-powered homogeneous pyrolysis of trifluoroacetic acid and that of trifluoroacetic anhydride is under these conditions identical. The reverse order of thermal stability for trifluoroacetic acid and trifluoroacetic anhydride observed during the conventional and laser-induced pyrolysis suggests the laser-powered homogeneous process as a tool for modification of compounds' (relative) thermal stability ascertained under conventional thermal conditions including participation of heterogeneous surface reactions.