Method of making fluorodinitroethanol (fdne)

Abstract

A method of producing FDNE using readily available fluoroolefins as a fluorine source.

We claim: 
     
       1. A method of producing fluorodinitroethanol (FDNE) comprising the steps of: A. Reacting 1,2-dichorodifluoroethylene with a mixture containing a nitrate to obtain chlorofluoronitroacetic acid;   B. reacting said chlorofluoronitroacetic acid with nitric acid to obtain chlorofluoronitronitrosomethane;   C. oxidizing the said chlorofluoronitronitrosomethane to obtain chlorofluorodinitromethane (CFDNM); and   D. reducing said CFDNM in the presence of formaldehyde to produce FDNE.   
     
     
       2. The process of claim 1 in which the initial reaction of 1,2-dichlorofluoroethylene is with a mixture of oleum, nitric acid and trifluoroacetic acid. 
     
     
       3. The process of claim 2 in which said chlorofluoronitronitrosomethane is oxidized with about 30% hydrogen peroxide in nitric acid. 
     
     
       4. The process of claim 3 in which said CFDNM is reduced with KI as the reducing agent. 
     
     
       5. The process of claim 3 in which KI/CH 2  O in aquous EtOH is used as the reducing agent for 2 hours at 40° C. and then 2 days at room temperature.