Preparation of cis-1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluorobut-2-ene by cis-selective semi-hydrogenation of perfluoro-2-butyne

Cis-1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluorobut-2-ene has a zero ozone depletion potential (ODP), low global warming potential (GWP) and non-flammable properties, so it is believed to be a potential foam expansion agent. For the synthetic process of cis-1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluorobut-2-ene, the process catalysts are the key factors for its yield and cost. In this paper, the catalysts of palladium attached to porous aluminum fluoride, to active carbon, to Al₂O₃, and the blends of palladium and bismuth to AlF₃ used to prepare cis-1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluorobut-2-ene by cis-selective semi-hydrogenation of perfluoro-2-butyne were investigated. The performance of above-mentioned catalysts was compared in reaction process. The experimental results indicate that the additive of bismuth to palladium catalyst is useful for improving the activity and selectivity compared to Pd/C and Pd/Al₂O₃. The role of bismuth in the synthetic process is discussed based on the experimental results and theory analysis.