Abstract

CHCl2I was synthesized to use in a photocatalysis reaction facilitated by Hg2I2. The CHCl2I and CF3I was used to generate chemically activated CF3-CHCl2 from radical CHCl2 and radical CF3. This was done by the combination of photosensitization and photolysis using a high-pressure mercury lamp with catalytic Hg2I2. The unimolecular decomposition reactions were qualified by identifying the products, and the rates of reaction will be quantified based on the ratio of decomposed products using a 2010 Shimadzu gas chromatograph mass spectrometer, GC-MS QP2010. The intent of this study was to expand data on the reactions that hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) will undergo, as they are a commercially important class of greenhouse gases, which are in the process of being re-engineered to be more environmentally friendly. Understanding these reactions is key to the efficient recycling of HCFCs. To date, CF3-CHCl2 (HCFC-123) has been formed by the aforementioned process and identified. Both CF2=CCl2, which is the product of the 1,2 HF elimination and the carbene product CF3C:Cl, which is the result of the 1,1 HCl elimination pathway have been located. CF3C:Cl can be trapped with either cis-2-butene or trans-2-butene. The resulting three-member ring seems to decompose into various alkene products, the mass spectrums of which are presented. It is thought that the 1,1 HCl elimination pathway is dominant over the 1,2 HF elimination pathway, but quantitative data derived from the rates of these reactions is still needed for verification.

How to Cite