Organophosphorus chemistry. Part VII. The reaction of phosphine with trifluoroethylene

Abstract

The photochemical reaction of phosphine with trifluoroethylene gives an 85 : 15 mixture of 1,2,2- and 1,1,2-trifluoroethylphosphines, the ratios of which have been determined by physical methods and also by the preparation and pyrolysis of the trifluoroethylphosphorus tetrabromides to give known bromotrifluoroethanes. Aqueous alkaline hydrolysis of the trifluoroethylphosphonous dichlorides yields a mixture of 1,1,2-trifluoroethane, vinylidene fluoride, and 1,2-difluoroethylene, under conditions where 1,1,2-trifluoroethane is stable. Aqueous alkaline hydrolysis of a mixture of 1,1,2- and 1,2,2-trifluoroethylphosphines gives acetylene, vinyl fluoride, hydrogen, and mainly unidentified involatile material. Unsuccessful attempts were made to react phosphine with 1-chloro-2-fluoroethylene in good yield.