Isoflurane → Desflurane

Participants

Reaction Conditions

Reaction Steps

A 1 liter autoclave (316SS, Parr) was charged with 171 g (0.93 moles) isoflurane and 116 g (2.0 moles) potassium fluoride. The reaction mass was heated with stirring to 278° C. After 18 hours at 278° C., the pressure was 500 psi. The autoclave was then cooled to room temperature for transfer to the laboratory. Products were then distilled into a dry ice cooled trap by heating the autoclave on a hot plate. The trap contents (134 g) were distilled through a four foot vacuum jacketed column packed with glass beads to give 20.8 g CHF2OCHFCF3 (bp 23.5° C.). The material remaining in the distillation flask (104.0 g) was 98% isoflurane. Based on the materials isolated, the percent conversion was 13% (33% yield). Details of the distillation are given below.

Provenance & Evidence