Oxidation of hexafluoropropylene to hexafluoropropylene oxide using oxygen

A method for pressure oxidation of hexafluoropropylene (HFP) to hexafluoropropylene oxide (HFPO), using oxygen, is presented. Oxidation was achieved in a batch-fed reactor at temperature range between 130 to 170°C. The influence of temperature and kind of solvents, such as 1,2,2-trichloro-1,1,2-trifluoroethane (CFC-113) and carbon tetrachloride on the yield of HFPO and the course of oxidation was investigated in preliminary studies. The maximum HFPO yield of approximately 83% was noticed.