One step synthesis of 1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluorobutane from succinonitrile

Bromine trifluroide (BrF3) reacts with succinonitrile (NCCH2CH2CN) to form 1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluorobutane as the major product. A minor amount of bromo- 1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluorobutane (similar to 5% of total trapped products) was also formed. BrF3 reacts with succinonitrile to form these hexafluorobutane s at ambient temperature or higher, in the absence of a moderating solvent, and in the absence of a catalyst. These results demonstrate that BrF3 dire ctly converts nitriles to trifluoromethyl moieties and is useful in the syn thesis of bis-trifluoromethyl containing compounds. (C) 1999 Elsevier Scien ce S.A. All rights reserved.