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.