Synthesis, physical characterisation and chemical properties of methylsulphur trifluoride, CH3SF3
Abstract
Methylsulphur trifluoride, CH3SF3, has been synthesised by the reaction between AgF2 and a solution of CH3SCl in CCl3F. It is a clear, viscous liquid which attacks glass, is hydrolysed rapidly, and decomposes at ambient temperatures to give CH2FSF3 and CH2FSSCH2F. The compound has been characterised by its 1H and 19F NMR and vibrational spectra, and a partial vibrational assignment is proposed. The chemistry of CH3SF3 is akin to that of SF4. Thus, it functions as a fluoride ion donor much more readily than as a fluoride ion acceptor. It reacts with Pyrex glass to give CH3S(O)F, is hydrolysed to CH3S(O)OH, and effects O–F exchange with acetone to yield 2,2-difluoropropane.