An in situ IR study of the thermal decomposition of trifluoroacetic acid

Abstract

The pyrolysis of trifluoroacetic acid has been carried out in the temperature range 513–593 K both as the neat gas and also in the presence of nitrogen as diluent. Reactions were carried out in a sealed sodium borosilicate glass cell, and the progress of the reaction was monitored by in situ Fourier transform IR spectroscopy. The principal products are CHF₃, CF₃COF and CO₂, but significant amounts of other species including C₂F₄, CO and SiF₄ are also produced. The formation of HF is observed directly for the first time for this reaction as is the formation of a number of other minor species (formaldehyde, formyl fluoride and hexafluoropropylene oxide).