PROCESS FOR THE PREPARATION OF FLUORINATED ORGANIC COMPOUNDS

Description

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION (1) Field of Invention:

[0001] This invention relates to novel methods for preparing fluorinated organic compounds, and more particularly to methods of producing fluorinated olefins.(2) Description of Related Art:

[0002] Hydrofluorocarbons (HFC's), in particular hydrofluoroalkenes such tetrafluoropropenes (including 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoro-1-propene (HFO-1234yf) and 1,3,3,3-tetrafluoro-1-propene (HFO-1234ze)) have been disclosed to be effective refrigerants, fire extinguishants, heat transfer media, propellants, foaming agents, blowing agents, gaseous dielectrics, sterilant carriers, polymerization media, particulate removal fluids, carrier fluids, buffing abrasive agents, displacement drying agents and power cycle working fluids. Unlike chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), both of which potentially damage the Earth's ozone layer, HFCs do not contain chlorine and thus pose no threat to the ozone layer.

[0003] Several methods of preparing hydrofluoroalkenes are known. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,900,874 (Ihara et al) describes a method of making fluorine containing olefins by contacting hydrogen gas with fluorinated alcohols. Although this appears to be a relatively high-yield process, for commercial scale production the handling of hydrogen gas at high temperature raises difficult safety related questions. Also, the cost of producing hydrogen gas, such as building an on-site hydrogen plant, can be in many situations prohibitive.

[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 2,931,840 (Marquis) describes a method of making fluorine containing olefins by pyrolysis of methyl chloride and tetrafluoroethylene or chlorodifluoromethane. This process is a relatively low yield process and a very large percentage of the organic starting material is converted in this process to unwanted and / or unimportant byproducts..

[0005] The preparation of HFO--1234yf from trifluoroacetylacetone and sulfur tetrafluoride has been described. See Banks, et al., Journal of Fluorine Chemistry, Vol. 82, Iss. 2, p. 171-174 (1997). Also, U.S. Pat. No. 5,162,594 (Krespan) discloses a process wherein tetrafluoroethylene is reacted with another fluorinated ethylene in the liquid phase to produce a polyfluoroolefin product.

[0006] Journal of the American Chemical Society (1946) 68: 496-497 describes a study of atomic distances in polyfluorinated groups, including in propane and propene derivatives. The document describes the synthesis of a number of polyfluorinated propanes and propenes for this purpose, including a six-step process for the synthesis of CH 2 =CFCF 3 (HFO-1234yf) and which starts from CH 2 ClCHClCH 2 Cl.

[0007] Journal of Physical Chemistry A (2001) 105: 1615-1621 investigates the reaction kinetics of reactions involving halogenated alkanes, with a view to providing evidence for a novel rearrangement pathway. Decomposition of CF 2 ClCF 2 CH 3 and CF 2 ClCH 2 CD 3 resulted in decomposition products including CF 3 CF=CH 2 (HFO-1234yf).SUMMARY

[0008] Applicants have discovered a method for producing fluorinated organic compounds, as defined in the appended claims. The claims define reactions converting a compound of Formula (IB) to a compound of Formula (II) Of course, the subject-matter of the claims can be combined with steps involving combinations of compounds of Formula (I), including combinations of compounds of Formulas (IA), (IAA) and (IB) may be used, in accordance with the steps outlined below.

[0009] Following the present disclosure, the skilled person can convert a compound of Formula (IA) to a compound of Formula (IAA), then converting said Formula (IAA) compound to the Formula (IB) compound, and then converting the Formula (IB) to the Formula (II) compound. In certain more specific sequences of steps, the step of converting a compound of Formula (I) comprises providing at least one monchlortrifluorpropene in accordance with Formula (IAA), preferably CF 3 CCl=CH 2 (HFO-1233xf) and reacting said monchlortrifluorpropene under conditions effective to produce the compound of Formula (IB), namely CF 3 CFClCH 3 (HFC-244bb), which in turn is preferably exposed to reaction conditions effective to produce at least one compound in accordance with Formula (II), namely HFO-1234yf. In preferred embodiments said exposing step comprises conducting one or more of said reactions in a gas phase in the presence of a catalyst, preferably a metal-based catalyst. Examples of such preferred conversion steps are disclosed more fully hereinafter. Of course, it is contemplated that in the broad scope of the invention that any of the Formula (I) compounds may be converted, directly or indirectly, to the compound of Formula (II) in view of the teachings contained herein.

[0010] The claims therefore encompass exposing a compound of Formula (I), and preferably Formula (1A) or (IAA) to one or more sets of reaction conditions effective to produce the compound in accordance with Formula (II).

[0011] The preferred conversion step of the present invention is preferably carried out under conditions, including the use of one or more reactions, effective to provide a Formula (IB) conversion of at least about 50%, more preferably at least about 75%, and even more preferably at least about 90%. In certain preferred embodiments the conversion is at least about 95%, and more preferably at least about 97%. Further in certain preferred embodiments, the step of converting the compound of Formula (IB) to produce a compound of Formula (II) is conducted under conditions effective to provide a Formula (II) yield of at least about 75%, more preferably at least about 85%, and more preferably at least about 90%. In certain preferred embodiments a yield of about 95% or greater is achieved.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] One beneficial aspect of the present invention is that it enables the production of HFO-1234yf using relatively high conversion and high selectivity reactions. Furthermore, the present methods in certain preferred embodiments permit the production of HFO-1234yf, either directly or indirectly, from relatively attractive starting materials. For example, 2-chloro, 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropane is a compound that may in certain embodiments be an advantageous starting material because such products are relatively easy to handle.

[0013] In one preferred aspect covered by the claims, the conversion step comprises: (a) reacting a compound of Formula (IA), in a gas and / or liquid phase reaction in the presence of at least a first catalyst to produce at least one compound of Formula (IAA), such as a monochloro-trifluoro-propene, preferably HFO-1233xf; (b) reacting the at least one monochloro-trifluoro-propene compound, in a gas and / or liquid phase and preferably in the presence of at least a catalyst, preferably a second catalyst which is different than the first catalyst, to produce the compound of Formula (IB); and (c) reacting said compound of Formula (IB), in a gas and / or liquid phase, to produce HFO-1234yf. Each of the preferred reaction steps is described in detail below, with the headings being used for convenience but not necessarily by way of limitation.I. FLUORINATION OF THE COMPOUND OF FORMULA I(A)

[0014] One preferred reaction step may be described by those reactions in which the compound of Formula (IA) is fluorinated to produce a compound of Formula (IAA). In certain preferred embodiments, especially embodiments in which the compound of Formula (IA) comprises C(X) 2 =CClC(X) 3 , where each X is independently H or Cl, the present converting step comprises first reacting said compound(s) by fluorinating said compound(s), preferably with HF in a gas phase, to produce an HFO that is at least trifluorinated, such as HFO-1223xf. Preferably this gas phase reaction is at least partially catalyzed.

[0015] The preferred fluorination of the compound of Formula (IA) is preferably carried out under conditions effective to provide a Formula (IA) conversion of at least about 50%, more preferably at least about 75%, and even more preferably at least about 90%. In certain preferred embodiments the conversion is at least about 95%, and more preferably at least about 97%. Further in certain preferred embodiments, the conversion of the compound of Formula (IA) comprises reacting such compound under conditions effective to produce at least one compound of Formula (IAA), such as monochlorotrifluoropropene (preferably CF 3 CCl=CH 2 (HFO-1233xf)) at a selectivity of at least about 50%, more preferably at least about 70%, more preferably at least about 80%, and even more preferably at least about 90%, with selectivities of about 95% or greater being achieved in certain embodiments.

[0016] In general, it is possible that the fluorination reaction step can be carried out in the liquid phase or in the gas phase, or in a combination of gas and liquid phases, and it is contemplated that the reaction can be carried out batch wise, continuous, or a combination of these.

[0017] For embodiments in which the reaction comprises a liquid phase reaction, the reaction can be catalytic or non-catalytic. Preferably, a catalytic process is used. Lewis acid catalyst, such as metal-halide catalysts, including antimony halides, tin halides, thallium halides, iron halides, and combinations of two or more of these, are preferred in certain embodiments. Metal chlorides and metal fluorides are particularly preferred. Examples of particularly preferred catalysts of this type include SbCl 5 , SbCl 3 , SbF 5 , SnCl 4 , TiCl 4 , FeCl 3 and combinations of two or more of these.

[0018] In preferred gas phase fluorination of Formula (IA) compounds, the reaction is at least partially a catalyzed reaction, and is preferably carried out on a continuous basis by introducing a stream containing the compound of Formula (I), preferably Formula (IA), into one or more reaction vessels, such as a tubular reactor. In certain preferred embodiments, the stream containing the compound of Formula (I), and preferably Formula (IA), is preheated to a temperature of from about80°C to about 400°C, more preferably from about 150°C to about 400°C, and in certain embodiments preferably about 300°C, and introduced into a reaction vessel (preferably a tube reactor), which is maintained at the desired temperature, preferably from about 80°C to about 700°C, more preferably from about 90°C to about 600°C , even more preferably in certain embodiments from about 400°C to about 600°C, more preferably from about 450°C to about 600°C, where it is preferably contacted with catalyst and fluorinating agent, such as HF.

[0019] Preferably the vessel is comprised of materials which are resistant to corrosion as Hastelloy, Inconel, Monel and / or fluoropolymers linings.

[0020] Preferably the vessel contains catalyst, for example a fixed or fluid catalyst bed, packed with a suitable fluorination catalyst, with suitable means to ensure that the reaction mixture is maintained with the desired reaction temperature range.

[0021] Thus, it is contemplated that the fluorination reaction step may be preformed using a wide variety of process parameters and process conditions in view of the overall teachings contained herein. However, it is preferred in certain embodiments that this reaction step comprise a gas phase reaction, preferably in the presence of catalyst, and even more preferably a chromium-based catalyst (such as Cr 2 O 3 catalyst), an iron-based catalyst (such as FeCl 3 on carbon (designated herein as FeCl 3 / C for convenience), and combinations of these. In preferred embodiments, the catalyst is a combination of the two aforementioned catalysts, where the reaction vessel contains in a first zone the chromium-based catalyst and in a second zone the iron-based catalyst. The temperature of the reaction in the chromium-based catalyst reaction is preferably kept at a temperature of from about 200°C to about 600°C and even more preferably from about 250°C to about 500°C. The temperature of the reaction in the iron-based catalyst reaction zone is preferably kept at a temperature of from about 80°C to about 300°C and even more preferably from about 100°C to about 250°C.

[0022] In general it is also contemplated that a wide variety of reaction pressures may be used for the fluorination reaction, depending again on relevant factors such as the specific catalyst being used and the most desired reaction product. The reaction pressure can be, for example, superatmospheric, atmospheric or under vacuum and in certain preferred embodiments is from about1 to about 200 psia (from 7 to 1,380 kPa), and in certain embodiments from about 1 to about 120 psia (from 7 to 827 kPa).

[0023] In certain embodiments, an inert diluent gas, such as nitrogen, may be used in combination with the other reactor feed(s).

[0024] It is contemplated that the amount of catalyst use will vary depending on the particular parameters present in each embodiment.II. FLUORINATION OF THE COMPOUND OF FORMULA I(AA)

[0025] The compound of Formula (IAA), preferably produced as described above, then is preferably subject to further fluorination reaction(s) to produce the compound of Formula (IB), HCFC-244bb. Preferably this gas phase reaction is at least partially catalyzed.

[0026] The fluorination of the compound of Formula (IAA) is preferably carried out under conditions effective to provide a Formula (IAA) conversion of at least about 40%, more preferably at least about 50%, and even more preferably at least about 60%. Further in certain preferred embodiments, the conversion of the compound of Formula (IA) comprises reacting such compound under conditions effective to produce at least one monochlorotetrafluoropropane, including HCFC-244bb, at a selectivity of at least about 70%, more preferably at least about 80%, and even more preferably at least about 85%, with selectivities of about 90% or greater being achieved in certain embodiments.

[0027] In general, it is possible that this fluorination reaction step can be carried out in the liquid phase or in the gas phase, or in a combination of gas and liquid phases, and it is contemplated that the reaction can be carried out batch wise, continuous, or a combination of these.

[0028] For embodiments in which the reaction comprises a liquid phase reaction, the reaction can be catalytic or non-catalytic. Preferably, a catalytic process is used. Lewis acid catalyst, such as metal-halide catalysts, including antimony halides, tin halides, thallium halides, iron halides, and combinations of two or more of these, are preferred in certain embodiments. Metal chlorides and metal fluorides are particularly preferred. Examples of particularly preferred catalysts of this type include SbCl 5 , SbCl 3 , SbF 5 , SnCl 4 , TiCl 4 , FeCl 3 and combinations of two or more of these.

[0029] In preferred gas phase fluorination of Formula (IAA) compounds, the reaction is at least partially a catalyzed reaction, and is preferably carried out on a continuous basis by introducing a stream containing the compound of Formula (IAA) into one or more reaction vessels, such as a tubular reactor. In certain preferred embodiments, the stream containing the compound of Formula (I), and preferably Formula (IAA), is preheated to a temperature of from about 50°C to about 400°C, and in certain embodiments preferably about 80°C. In other embodiments, it is preferred that the stream containing the compound of Formula (I), and preferably Formula (IAA), is preheated to a temperature of from about 150°C to about 400°C, preferably about 300°C. This steam, preferably after preheating, is then preferably introduced into a reaction vessel (preferably a tube reactor), which is maintained at the desired temperature, preferably from about 50°C to about 250°C, more preferably from about 50°C to about 150°C, where it is preferably contacted with catalyst and fluorinating agent, such as HF.

[0030] Preferably the vessel is comprised of materials which are resistant to corrosion as Hastelloy, Inconel, Monel and / or fluoropolymers linings.

[0031] Preferably the vessel contains catalyst, for example a fixed or fluid catalyst bed, packed with a suitable fluorination catalyst, with suitable means to ensure that the reaction mixture is maintained within about the desired reaction temperature range.

[0032] Thus, it is contemplated that the fluorination reaction step may be preformed using a wide variety of process parameters and process conditions in view of the overall teachings contained herein. However, it is preferred in certain embodiments that this reaction step comprise a gas phase reaction, preferably in the presence of catalyst, and even more preferably an Sb-based catalyst, such as catalyst which is about 50wt% SbCls / C. Other catalysts which may be used include: from about 3 to about 6 wt% FeCl 3 / C; SbF 5 / C; about 20 wt% SnCl 4 / C; about 23 wt% TiCl 4 / C; and activated carbon. Preferably the catalyst comprises Cl 2 and HF pre-treated SbCls / C.

[0033] In general it is also contemplated that a wide variety of reaction pressures may be used for the fluorination reaction, depending again on relevant factors such as the specific catalyst being used and the most desired reaction product. The reaction pressure can be, for example, superatmospheric, atmospheric or under vacuum and in certain preferred embodiments is from about 1 to about 200 psia (from 7 to 1,380 kPa), more preferably in certain embodiments from about 1 to about 120 psia (from 7 to 827 kPa).

[0034] In certain embodiments, an inert diluent gas, such as nitrogen, may be used in combination with the other reactor feed(s).

[0035] It is contemplated that the amount of catalyst use will vary depending on the particular parameters present in each embodiment.III . DEHYDROHALOGENATION OF FORMULA (IB)

[0036] The present claims may be described by those reactions in which the compound of Formula (IB) is dehydrohalogenated to produce a compound of Formula (II) . In certain preferred embodiments, the stream containing the compound of Formula (IB), and preferably Formula (IBB) is preheated to a temperature of from about 150°C to about 400°C, preferably about 350°C, and introduced into a reaction vessel, which is maintained at about the desired temperature, preferably from about 200°C to about 700°C, more preferably from about 300°C to about 700°C, more preferably from about 300°C to about 450°C, and more preferably in certain embodiments from about 350°C to about 450°C.

[0037] Preferably the vessel is comprised of materials which are resistant to corrosion as Hastelloy, Inconel, Monel and / or fluoropolymers linings. Preferably the vessel contains catalyst, for example a fixed or fluid catalyst bed, packed with a suitable dehydrohalogenation catalyst, with suitable means to heat the reaction mixture to about the desired reaction temperature.

[0038] Thus, it is contemplated that the dehydrohalogenation reaction step may be preformed using a wide variety of process parameters and process conditions in view of the overall teachings contained herein. However, it is preferred in certain embodiments that this reaction step comprise a gas phase reaction, preferably in the presence of catalyst, and even more preferably a carbon- and / or metal-based catalyst, preferably activated carbon, a nickel-based catalyst (such as Ni-mesh) and combinations of these. Other catalysts and catalyst supports may be used, including palladium on carbon, palladium-based catalyst (including palladium on aluminum oxides), and it is expected that many other catalysts may be used depending on the requirements of particular embodiments in view of the teachings contained herein. Of course, two or more any of these catalysts, or other catalysts not named here, may be used in combination.

[0039] The gas phase dehydrohalogenation reaction may be conducted, for example, by introducing a gaseous form of a compound of Formula (IB) into a suitable reaction vessel or reactor. Preferably the vessel is comprised of materials which are resistant to corrosion as Hastelloy, Inconel, Monel and / or fluoropolymers linings. Preferably the vessel contains catalyst, for example a fixed or fluid catalyst bed, packed with a suitable dehydrohalogenation catalyst, with suitable means to heat the reaction mixture to about the desired reaction temperature.

[0040] While it is contemplated that a wide variety of reaction temperatures may be used, depending on relevant factors such as the catalyst being used and the most desired reaction product, it is generally preferred that the reaction temperature for the dehydrohalogentation step is from about 200°C to about 800°C, more preferably from about 400°C to about 800°C, and even more preferably from about 400°C to about 500°C, and more preferably in certain embodiments from about 300°C to about 500°C.

[0041] In general it is also contemplated that a wide variety of reaction pressures may be used, depending again on relevant factors such as the specific catalyst being used and the most desired reaction product. The reaction pressure can be, for example, superatmospheric, atmospheric or under vacuum, and in certain preferred embodiments is from about 1 to about 200 psia (from 7 to 1,380 kPa), and even more preferably in certain embodiments from about 1 to about 120 psia (from 7 to 827 kPa).

[0042] In certain embodiments, an inert diluent gas, such as nitrogen, may be used in combination with the other reactor feed(s). When such a diluent is used, it is generally preferred that the compound of Formula (I), preferably Formula (IB), comprise from about 50% to greater than 99% by weight based on the combined weight of diluent and Formula (I) compound.

[0043] It is contemplated that the amount of catalyst use will vary depending on the particular parameters present in each embodiment.

[0044] Preferably in such dehydrofluorination embodiments as described in this section, the conversion of the Formula (IB) compound is at least about 60%, more preferably at least about 75%, and even more preferably at least about 90%. Preferably in such embodiments, the selectivity to compound of Formula (II) is at least about 50%, more preferably at least about 70% and more preferably at least about 80%.EXAMPLES

[0045] Additional features of the present invention are provided in the following examples, which should not be construed as limiting the claims in any way.Example 1 (comparative) Preparation of CH 2 =CClCH 2 Cl (2,3-Dichloro-1-propene) from CH 2 ClCHClCH 2 Cl

[0046] About 8500 grams of 1,2,3-trichloropropane and about 88.0 grams Aliquat 336 were charged into a 30 liter glass vessel, equipped with TEFLON ®< shaft and stir blades, heated with internal TEFLON ®< coated copper coils and refrigerant / heating circulation bath and refrigerated condenser. The mixture was then heated to about 73°C with medium speed agitation. At this temperature, about 10,000 grams of 25 wt% NaOH / H2O solution is added into the reactor from a separate container over a 2 hour period of time. The pH was kept at about 14. After addition, the reaction progress was monitored by GC and GC / MS. The conversion of 1,2,3-trichloropropane was about 97.5% and the selectivity to CH 2 =CClCH 2 Cl was about 95.4%. After the stipulated reaction time, the mixture was cooled and about 4.0 liters of distilled and ionized water was added into the mixture. The mixture was stirred for about 10 minutes and allowed to separate. The lower layer product (boiling point of about 92.5°C) was drained and distilled to substantially isolate and purify product. The crude yield before distillation was about 6408 grams (GC purity of about 93%).Example 2 (comparative) Preparation of HCCl 2 CCl 2 CH 2 Cl from CH 2 =CClCH 2 Cl

[0047] Chlorine was bubbled into about 82.4 g of 2,3-dichloropropene at about 10 to about 30 °C with the aid of ice bath cooling until a pale yellow color persisted for about 45 minutes. The crude product in an amount of about 130.4 g, consisted of about 93.6 % CH 2 ClCCl 2 CH 2 Cl and about 2.6 % 2,3-dichloropropene.

[0048] Five hundred grams of CH 2 ClCCl 2 CH 2 Cl was charged into a photoreactor. The jacket for the reactor as well as the jacket for the 450 W UV lamp were cooled to about 15°C using a circulating cooling bath. A total of about 150 g of chlorine was bubbled into the organic liquid over a period of about 2 hours. The crude product weighed about 591 g. GC analysis indicated a conversion of about 54.4 % and selectivity for the desired HCCl 2 CCl 2 CH 2 Cl of about 87 %. Distillation provided HCCl 2 CCl 2 CH 2 Cl in 99 % purity.Example 3 (comparative) Preparation of CCl 2 =CClCH 2 Cl from HCCl 2 CCl 2 CH 2 Cl

[0049] Aliquat-336 ®< (about 0.26 g) and about 24.8 g of HCCl 2 CCl 2 CH 2 Cl were stirred rapidly at room temperature while adding about 20 g of 25 % aqueous NaOH over 19 minutes. Stirring was continued overnight before adding 30 mL water and allowing the phases to separate. The lower organic phase, in an amount of about 19.8 g, was about 97.5 % pure CCl 2 =CClCH 2 Cl by GC analysis (96 % yield). Prior to fluorination, it was distilled (bp about 69 to about72 °C at about 30 mm Hg; 4.0 kPa) to remove any phase transfer catalyst. H NMR: δ 4.41 (s) ppm.Example 4 (comparative) Selective catalyzed-transformation of CCl 2 =CClCH 2 Cl to CF 3 CCl=CH 2 (HFO-1233xf) in gas-phase

[0050] An 22-inch long and 1 / 2-inch diameter Monel pipe gas-phase reactor is charged with about 120 cc of a catalyst or a mixture of two catalysts. In case of a mixture, Cr 2 O 3 catalyst is kept at the bottom zone of the reactor at a constant temperature of about 270°C-500°C and the other catalyst, such as FeCl 3 / C, is kept at the middle and the top zone of the reactor at a constant temperature of about 120°C - 220°C. The reactor is mounted inside a heater with three zones (top, middle, and bottom). The reactor temperature is read by custom-made-5-point thermocouples kept inside at the middle of the reactor. The bottom of the reactor is connected to a pre-heater, which is kept at 300°C by electrical heating. The liquid-HF is fed from a cylinder into the pre-heater through a needle valve, liquid mass-flow meter, and a research control valve at a constant flow of about 1 to about 1000 grams pre hour (g / h). The HF cylinder is kept at a constant pressure of 45 psig by applying anhydrous N 2 gas pressure into the cylinder head space. About 10 to about 1000 g / h of CCl 2 =CClCH 2 Cl is fed as a liquid through a dip tube from a cylinder under about 45 psig (350 kPag) of N 2 pressure. The organic flowed from the dip tube to the preheater (kept at about 250°C) through a needle valve, liquid mass-flow meter, and a research control valve at a constant flow of 1-1000 g / h. The organic is also fed as a gas while heating the cylinder containing organic at about 220°C. The gas coming out of the cylinder is passed through a needle valve and a mass flow controller into the preheater. The organic line from the cylinder to the pre-heater is kept at about 200°C by wrapping with constant temperature heat trace and electrical heating elements. All feed cylinders are mounted on scales to monitor their weight by difference. The catalysts are dried at the reaction temperature over a period of about 8 hours and then pretreated with about 50 g / h of HF under atmospheric pressure over a period of about 6 hours and then under 50 psig HF pressure over another period of about 6 hours before contacting with organic feed containing CCl 2 =CClCH 2 Cl. The reactions are run at a constant reactor pressure of about 0 to about 150 psig (0 to 1030 kPag) by controlling the flow of reactor exit gases by another research control valve. The gases exiting reactor are analyzed by on-line GC and GC / MS connected through a hotbox valve arrangement to prevent condensation. The conversion of CCl 2 =CClCH 2 Cl is about 70 to about 100% and the selectivity to 1233xf is about 80% to about 95%, respectively. The product is collected by flowing the reactor exit gases through a scrubber solution comprising about 20wt% to about 60 wt% . KOH in water and then trapping the exit gases from the scrubber into a cylinder kept in dry ice or liquid N 2 . The product, 1233xf is then substantially isolated by distillation. The results are tabulated in Table 1. Table 1: Transformation of CCl 2 =CClCH 2 Cl to CF 3 CCl=CH 2 (CCl 2 =CClCH 2 Cl + 3HF → CF 3 CCl=CH 2 + 3HCl) # Catalyst T, O< C HF flow, g / h CCl 2 =CClCH 2 Cl flow, g / h % Conv of CCl 2 =CClCH 2 Cl % Sel to 1233xf 1 10% v / v Cr 2 O 3 -90% v / v FeCl 3 / C350 / 150501279812 20% v / v Cr 2 O 3 -80% v / v FeCl 3 / C350 / 150501283863 30% v / v Cr 2 O 3 -70% v / v FeCl 3 / C350 / 150501289964 30% v / v Cr 2 O 3 -70% v / v FeCl 3 / C350 / 150701279935 30% v / v Cr 2 O 3 -70% v / v FeCl 3 / C345 / 170502585906 Cr 2 O 3 350502090937 FeCl 3 / C150502074398 SbCls / C15050208152Reaction conditions: Catalyst used (total) 120 cc; pressure, 1.5 psig (10 kPag); Examples 5A and 5B Liquid-phase catalytic fluorination of CF 3 CCl=CH 2 (1233xf) with HF to CF 3 CFClCH 3 (244bb) Example 5A (comparative)

[0051] About 327 grams of HF, about 50 grams 1233xf, and about 75 grams SbCl 5 were charged into a 1-L autoclave. The reaction mixture was stirred at a temperature of about 80°C for about 3 hours under about 620 psig (4310 kPag) of pressure. After the reaction, the reactor was cooled to about 0°C and about 300 ml water was then added slowly into the autoclave over a period of about 45 min. After complete addition of water under stirring, the reactor was cooled to room temperature and then the overhead gases were transferred to another collecting cylinder. The yield of CF 3 CFClCH 3 was about 90% at a 1233xf conversion level of about 98%. The other major by-products were CF 3 CF 2 CH 3 (2%), and an unidentified isomer of a C4 compound of the general formula, C 4 H 3 Cl 3 F 4 (8%).Example 5B (comparative)

[0052] About 327 grams HF, about 50 grams 1233xf, and about 75 grams SbCl 5 were charged into a 1-L autoclave. The reaction mixture was stirred at 80°C for about 3 hours under about 625 psig of pressure. After the reaction, the reactor was cooled to about 45°C and then the overhead gas mixture was passed through a well dried KF, NaF, or Al 2 O 3 (350 g) packed column kept at about 80°C to strip off HF from the gas stream. The gases coming out of the column are collected in a cylinder kept in dry ice (-70°C) bath. The yield of CF 3 CFClCH 3 was 87% at a 1233xf conversion level of 93%. The other major by-products were CF 3 CF 2 CH 3 (1%), and an unidentified isomer of a C4 compound of the general formula, C 4 H 3 Cl 3 F 4 (7%). The product, CF 3 CFClCH 3 was isolated by distillation with 98% purity.Example 6 (comparative) Gas-phase catalytic fluorination of CF 3 CCl=CH 2 (1233xf) with HF to CF 3 CFClCH 3 (244bb)

[0053] A 22-inch (1 / 2-inch diameter) Monel tube gas phase reactor was charged with about 120 cc of a catalyst. The reactor was mounted inside a heater with three zones (top, middle and bottom). The reactor temperature was read by a custom made 5-point thermocouple kept at the middle inside of the reactor. The inlet of the reactor was connected to a pre-heater, which was kept at about 300°C by electrical heating. Organic (1233xf) was fed from a cylinder kept at 70°C through a regulator, needle valve, and a gas mass-flow-meter. The organic line to the pre-heater was heat traced and kept at a constant temperature of about 73°C by electrical heating to avoid condensation. N 2 was used as a diluent in some cases and fed from a cylinder through a regulator and a mass flow controller into the pre-heater. All feed cylinders were mounted on scales to monitor their weight by difference. The reactions were run at a constant reactor pressure of from about 0 to about 100 psig (0 to 689 kPag) by controlling the flow of reactor exit gases by another research control valve. The gas mixtures exiting reactor was analyzed by on-line GC and GC / MS connected through a hotbox valve arrangements to prevent condensation. The conversion of 1233xf was from about 50% to about 65% and the selectivity to 244 isomer (CF 3 CFClCH 3 ) was from about 90% to about 93% depending on the reaction conditions using 120 cc of 50 wt% SbCls / C as the catalyst at about 65°C to about -85°C with a HF flow of about 50 g / h and organic flow of about 15 g / h. No CF 3 CF 2 CH 3 was observed under the reaction conditions. The catalyst is pretreated at first with 50 g / h HF at about 65°C for about 2 hours and then with about 50 g / h HF and about 200 sccm of Cl 2 at about 65°C for about 4 hours. After pre-treatment, about 50 sccm of N 2 is flowed over a period of about 40 minutes through the catalyst bed to sweep free chlorine from the catalyst surface prior to interacting with the organic feed (1233xf). Pretreatment is considered important to many embodiments of the invention. The products were collected by flowing the reactor exit gases through a 20-60 wt% aqueous KOH scrubber solution and then trapping the exit gases from the scrubber into a cylinder kept in dry ice or liquid N 2 . The products were then isolated by distillation. About 50 wt% SbCls / C, about 3 to about 6 wt% FeCl 3 / C, , 20 wt% SnCl 4 / C, and about 23 wt% TiCl 4 / C, using 4 different kind of activated carbon such as Shiro saga ®< , Calgon ®< , Norit ®< , and Aldrich ®< were used as the catalyst at from about 60 to about 150°C. Among all the catalysts used for this reaction, Cl 2 and HF pre-treated SbCls / C was found to be generally preferred in terms of activity. The results using SbCl 5 as the catalyst are shown in Table 2. Table 2: Catalyzed-gas-phase transformation of CF 3 CCl=CH 2 to CF 3 CFClCH 3 #CatT, O< CConv. of CF 3 CCl=CH 2 (1233xf)Sel. to CF 3 CFClCH 3 110 wt% SbCl 5 / C6015100220 wt% SbCl 5 / C602198330 wt% SbCl 5 / C603298450 wt% SbCl 5 / C605597550 wt% SbCl 5 / C806293650 wt% SbCl 5 / C1005687760 wt% SbCl 5 / C605991850 wt% SbCl 5 / NORIT RFC 3 Activated Carbon603492950 wt% SbCl 5 / Shiro Saga Activated Carbon6056961050 wt% SbCl 5 / Aldrich Activated Carbon605794

[0054] Reaction conditions: 1233xf flow, 150 sccm; HF flow 50 g / h; pressure, 2.5-5.3 psig (17-37 kPag); in 1-5 reactions Calgon ®< activated carbon is used as the catalyst support; catalyst, 120 cc. All catalysts are pre-treated with Cl 2 and HF prior to contacting with 1233xf.Example 7 Conversion of CF 3 CFClCH 3 to CF 3 CF=CH 2 in gas-phase

[0055] A 22-inch (1 / 2-inch diameter) Monel tube gas phase reactor was charged with 120 cc of catalyst. The reactor was mounted inside a heater with three zones (top, middle and bottom). The reactor temperature was read by custom made 5-point thermocouples kept at the middle inside of the reactor. The inlet of the reactor was connected to a pre-heater, which was kept at about 300°C by electrical heating. Organic (CF 3 CFClCH 3 ) was fed from a cylinder kept at about 65°C through a regulator, needle valve, and a gas mass-flow-meter. The organic line to the pre-heater was heat traced and kept at a constant temperature of from about 65°C to about 70°C by electrical heating to avoid condensation. The feed cylinder was mounted on scales to monitor their weight by difference. The reactions were run at a constant reactor pressure of from about 0 to about 100 psig (0 to 689 kPag) by controlling the flow of reactor exit gases by another research control valve. The gas mixture exiting reactor was analyzed by on-line GC and GC / MS connected through a hotbox valve arrangement to prevent condensation. The conversion of CF 3 CFClCH 3 was almost 98% and the selectivity to HFO-1234yf was from about 69% to about 86% depending on the reaction conditions. The products were collected by flowing the reactor exit gases through a about 20wt% to about 60 wt% of aquesous KOH scrubber solution and then trapping the exit gases from the scrubber into a cylinder kept in dry ice or liquid N 2 . The products were then isolated by distillation. Results are tabulated in T-able 3. Table 3: Catalyzed-transformation of CF 3 CFClCH 3 to HFO-1234yf #CatT, O< CFlow rate, CF 3 CFClCH 3 (244 isomer) sccmConversion of 2441234yf (Sel. %)1A400150100462B40015096633C400100100644D40010099935D40015092896E40010096567F40010087518G40010010037

[0056] Reaction conditions: pressure, 2.5-5.3 psig (17-37 kPag); catalyst, 100 cc, A is NORIT ®< RFC 3; B is Shiro-Saga ®< activated carbon; C is Aldrich ®< activated carbon; D is Calgon ®< activated carbon; activated carbon; E is 0.5 wt% Pd / C; F is 0.5 wt% Pt / C; G is Ni-mesh; Organic cylinder temperature-65°C; CF 3 CFClCH 3 (244) line to the preheater-60°C; Preheater, 350°C; P-5 psig (P-30 kPag).Example 8 (comparative) Selective catalyzed-transformation of CCl 3 CCl=CH 2 to CF 3 CCl=CH 2 (HFO-1233xf) in gas-phase

[0057] A 22-inch long and 1 / 2-inch diameter Monel pipe gas phase reactor was charged with 120 cc of a catalyst or a mixture of two catalysts. In case of a mixture, Cr 2 O 3 catalyst is kept at the bottom zone of the reactor at a substantially constant temperature of from about 270°C to about 500°C and the other catalyst, such as FeCl 3 / C is kept at the middle and the top zone of the reactor at a substantially constant temperature of from about 120°C to about 220°C. The reactor was mounted inside a heater with three zones (top, middle, and bottom). The reactor temperature was read by custom-made-5-point thermocouples kept inside at the middle of the reactor. The bottom of the reactor was connected to a pre-heater, which was kept at about 300°C by electrical heating. The liquid-HF was fed from a cylinder into the pre-heater through a needle valve, liquid mass-flow meter, and a research control valve at a substantially constant flow of from about 1 to about 1000 g / h. The HF cylinder was kept at a substantially constant pressure of about 45 psig (310 kPag) by applying anhydrous N 2 gas pressure into the cylinder head space. A feed rate of from about 10 g / h to about 1000 g / h of CCl 3 CCl=CH 2 was fed as a liquid through a dip tube from a cylinder under about 45 psig (310 kPag) of N 2 pressure. The organic was flown from the dip tube to the pre-heater (kept at about 250°C) through needle valve, liquid mass-flow meter, and a research control valve at a substantially constant flow of from about 1 to about 1000 g / h. The organic is also fed as a gas while heating the cylinder containing organic at about 220°C. The gas effluent from the cylinder is passed through a needle valve and a mass flow controller into the pre-heater. The organic line from the cylinder to the pre-heater was kept at about 200°C by wrapping with constant temperature heat trace and electrical heating elements. All feed cylinders were mounted on scales to monitor their weight by difference. The catalysts were dried at the reaction temperature over a period of about 8 hours and then pretreated with about 50 g / h of HF under atmospheric pressure over a 6 hour period and then under about 50 psig (340 kPag) HF pressure over a 6 hour period before contacting with organic feed, CCl 3 CCl=CH 2 . The reactions were run at a substantially constant reactor pressure ranging from about 0 to about 150 psig (0 to 1030 kPag) by controlling the flow of reactor exit gases by another research control valve. Those gases exiting reactor were analyzed by on-line GC and GC / MS connected through a hotbox valve arrangements to prevent condensation. The conversion of CCl 3 CCl=CH 2 was in a range of from about 90% to about 100% and the selectivity to CF 3 CCl=CH 2 (1233xf) was about 79%.. The effluent contained in addition HFO-1243zf in an amount of about 7.7%, 1232-isomer in an amount of about 1.3%, and 1223 in an amount of about 0.8%, and an unidentified byproduct. The product was collected by flowing the reactor exit gases through a 20-60 wt% aq. KOH scrubber solution and then trapping the exit gases from the scrubber into a cylinder kept in dry ice or liquid N 2 . The product, 1233xf was then substantially isolated by distillation. Using only Cr 2 O 3 catalyst, a selectivity of about 68% to 1233xf at a conversion level of about 79% was achieved.Examples 9A - 9D (comparative) Direct Liquid-phase catalytic fluorination of CCl 3 CCl=CH 2 with HF to CF 3 CFClCH 3 (244-isomer) Example 9A (comparative)

[0058] About 327 grams HF, about 50 grams CCl 3 CCl=CH 2 , and about 75 grams SbCl 5 were charged into a 1-L autoclave. The reaction mixture was stirred at about 80°C for about 3 hours under about 610 psig (4210 kPag) of pressure. After the reaction, the reactor was cooled to about40°C and about 300 ml water was then added slowly into the autoclave over a period of about 45 min. After complete addition of water under stirring, the reactor was cooled to about room temperature and then the overhead gases were transferred to another collecting cylinder. The yield of CF 3 CFClCH 3 was about 89% at a CCl 3 CCl=CH 2 conversion level of about 88%. The other major by-products were CF 3 CF 2 CH 3 (2%), and an unidentified isomer of a C4 compound of the general formula, C 4 H 3 Cl 3 F 4 (8%).Example 9B (comparative)

[0059] About 327 grams HF, about 50 grams CCl 3 CCl=CH 2 , and about 75 grams SbCl 5 were charged into a 1-L autoclave. The reaction mixture was stirred at about 100°C for about 3 hours under about 685 psig (4720 kPag) of pressure. After the reaction, the reactor was cooled to about 40°C and about 300 ml water was then added slowly into the autoclave over a period of about 45 minutes. After complete addition of water under stirring, the reactor was cooled to room temperature and then the overhead gases were transferred to another collecting cylinder. The yield of CF 3 CFClCH 3 was about 78% at a CCl 3 CCl=CH 2 conversion level of about 100%. The other major by-products were CF 3 CF 2 CH 3 (about 4%), and an unidentified isomer of a C4 compound of the general formula, C 4 H 3 Cl 3 F 4 (about 13%).Example 9C (comparative)

[0060] About 327 grams HF, about 50 grams CCl 3 CCl=CH 2 , and about 75 grams SbCl5 were charged into a 1-L autoclave. The reaction mixture was stirred at about 125°C for about 6 hours under about 825 psig (5690 kPag) of pressure. After the reaction, the reactor was cooled to about 40°C and about 300 ml water was then added slowly into the autoclave over a period of about 45 min. After complete addition of water under stirring, the reactor was cooled to about room temperature and then the overhead gases were transferred to another collecting cylinder. The major products were CF 3 CF 2 CH 3 (about 53%) and CF 3 CFClCH 3 (about 25%) at a CCl 3 CCl=CH 2 conversion level of about 100%. The other major by-products were and unidentified isomer of a C4 compound of the general formula, C 4 H 3 Cl 3 F 4 (8%) and tar.Example 9D (comparative)

[0061] About 327 grams HF, about 50 grams CCl 3 CCl=CH 2 , and about 75 g SbCl 5 were charged into a 1-L autoclave. The reaction mixture was stirred at about 150°C for about 6 hours under about 825 psig (5690 kPag) of pressure. After the reaction, the reactor was cooled to about 40°C and about 300 ml water was then added slowly into the autoclave over a period of about 45 minutes. After complete addition of water under stirring, the reactor was cooled to about room temperature and then the overhead gases were transferred to another collecting cylinder. The major products were CF 3 CF 2 CH 3 (about 57%) and CF 3 CFClCH 3 (about 15%) at a CCl 3 CCl=CH 2 conversion level of about 100%. The other major by-products were and unidentified isomer of a C4 compound of the general formula, C 4 H 3 Cl 3 F 4 (about 11%) and tar.Example 10 (comparative) Catalytic conversion of CF 3 CF 2 CH 3 to CF 3 CF=CH 2

[0062] A 22-inch (1 / 2-inch diameter) Monel tube gas phase reactor was charged with 120 cc of a catalyst. The reactor was mounted inside a heater with three zones (top, middle and bottom). The reactor temperature was read by custom made 5-point thermocouples kept at the middle inside of the reactor. The inlet of the reactor was connected to a pre-heater, which was kept at about 300°C by electrical heating. Organic material (245cb) was fed from a cylinder kept at about 65°C through a regulator, needle valve, and a gas mass-flow-meter. The organic line to the pre-heater was heat traced and kept at a substantially constant temperature in a range of from about 65°C to about 70°C by electrical heating to avoid condensation. The feed cylinder was mounted on a scale to monitor its weight by difference. The reactions were run at a substantially constant reactor pressure of from about 0 to about 100 psig (0 to 689 kPag) by controlling the flow of reactor exit gases by another research control valve. The gas mixtures exiting reactor was analyzed by on-line GC and GC / MS connected through a hotbox valve arrangements to prevent condensation. The conversion of 245cb was in the range of from about 30% to about 70% and the selectivity to 1234yf was in the range of from about 90% 5o about 100% depending on the reaction conditions. The products were collected by flowing the reactor exit gases through a 20-60-wt% of aq. KOH scrubber solution and then trapping the exit gases from the scrubber into a cylinder kept in dry ice or liquid N 2 . The products were then substantially isolated by distillation. Results are tabulated in Table 4. Table 4: Transformation of CF 3 CF 2 CH 3 to 1234yf #CatT, °CH 2 , sccmCF 3 CF 2 CH 3 (245cb) sccmConversion of 245cb, %1234yf (Sel. %)1A57506579632B57506882573C57507373614D57506884595D575206889736E55006992537F55006793338G5500697346

[0063] Reaction conditions: pressure, 2.5-5.3 psig (17-37 kPag); catalyst, 100 cc, A is NORIT ®< RFC 3; B is Shiro-Saga ®< activated carbon; C is Aldrich ®< activated carbon; D is Calgon ®< activated carbon; E is 0.5 wt% Pd / C; F is 0.5 wt% Pt / C; G is Ni-mesh; Organic cylinder temperature is about 65°C; CF 3 CF 2 CH 3 (245cb) line to the preheater is maintained at about 50 O< C; preheater temperature is maintained at about 350°C; N 2 flow is not used; pressure is maintained at about 3 psig (20 kPag).

[0064] Having thus described a few particular embodiments of the invention, various alterations, modifications, and improvements will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Such alterations, modifications, and improvements, as are made obvious by this disclosure, are intended to be part of this description though not expressly stated herein, and are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the foregoing description is by way of example only, and not limiting.

Claims

1. A method for producing fluorinated organic compounds comprising converting at least one compound of Formula (IB)         CF3CFClCH3     (IB) [HCFC-244bb] to at least one compound of Formula (II)         CF3CF=CH2     (II) [HFO-1234yf], wherein the converting step is carried out in a vessel comprising Hastelloy, Inconel, Monel and / or a fluoropolymer lining.

2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the vessel comprises Inconel.

3. The method as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the converting step comprises a gas phase dehydrohalogenation reaction.

4. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the converting step comprises a gas phase dehydrohalogenation reaction carried out in the presence of a catalyst selected from the group consisting of a carbon- and / or metal based-catalyst, and a nickel-based catalyst.

5. The method as claimed in claim 4, wherein the catalyst is a nickel-based catalyst.

6. The method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the reaction temperature is from 200°C to 800°C.

7. The method as claimed in claim 6, wherein the reaction temperature is from 400°C to 500°C.

8. The method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the reaction pressure is from 7 kPa to 1 MPa absolute (1 to 200 psia).

9. The method as claimed in claim 8, wherein the reaction pressure is from 7 kPa to 0.83 MPa absolute (1 to 120 psia).