Electrocatalytic Oxidation of Perfluoroalkylvinyl Ethers in Fluorosulfonic Acid

Direct anodic oxidation of perfluoroalkylvinyl ethers RFOCF=CF2 (PVE) and terminal fluoroolefins RFCF=CF2 (TFO) in fluorosulfonic acid is studied using cyclic voltammetry; electrolysis at a monitored potential; and analyses of synthesized products by 19F NMR, gas-liquid chromatography, and chromato-mass spectrometry, with simultaneous preparative isolation of the products. Proposals on some regularities of the direct oxidation of PVE and TFO are made. The corrosion behavior of platinum, iridium, and their alloys is studied. The formation of oxide films on various electrode materials and a fluorosulfate film on glassy carbon is found to correlate with catalytic activity in reactions of direct oxidation of perfluoroolefins.