ELECTROCHEMICAL SYNTHESIS OF TRIFLUOROMETHYLCADMIUM AND TRIFLUOROMETHYLZINC SPECIES USING BROMOTRIFLUOROMETHANE AND SACRIFICIAL ANODES

Trifluoromethylcadmium and trifluoromethylzinc species are easily prep ared by electrolysis of bromotrifluoromethane in dimethylformamide usi ng a one-compartment cell fitted with a cadmium or zinc anode. Both CF 3CdBr and (CF3)(2)Cd result from the chemical reaction of CF3Br with c admium electrodeposited on the cathode. The formation of trifluorometh ylzinc species involves a much more complex mechanism. Chemical corros ion of the electroscored zinc anode occurs; if the zinc anode is after wards used as the cathode, the formation of CF3ZnBr and (CF3)(2)Zn inc reases significantly.