Abstract:
A process for the preparation of perfluoroalkylated ketones and/or perfluoroalkylated alcohols, comprising the step of contacting a perfluoroalkyl iodide or perfluoroalkyl bromide with an acid anhydride, in the presence of a metal chosen from zinc and cadmium.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a new process for the preparation of perfluoroalkylated ketones or perfluoroalkylated alcohols. Specifically, it relates to a process for perfluoroalkylation of acid anhydrides. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     It is known, for example, according to the paper by Donald A. Shaw and Terrence C. Tuominen, which appeared in Synthetic Communications 15(14), 1291-1297 (1985), to prepare 3-hydroxy-3-trifluoromethyl phthalide, which can be used as a plant growth regulator, in three stages. The starting materials employed are bromotoluene and an amide of trifluoroacetic acid, of the formula CF 3  CONCH 3  (OCH 3 ), in the presence of magnesium in ether. The starting materials, especially the amide of trifluoroacetic acid, are not readily available. In addition, industry has always been reluctant to use a highly reactive magnesium derivative because of process economy and safety aspects. 
     It is also known, according to a paper by Prabhu, Eapen and Tamborski, which appeared in J. Org. Chem. 1984, 49, 2792-2795, to prepare the same product as in the preceding paper by a different process. The process according to this paper starts with a dibromo derivative which is condensed with butyllithium at -110° C. The use of alkyllithium derivatives, however, has always been avoided in industry for safety reasons, as these derivatives are highly flammable. 
     Thus, industry continues to search for a process which is economically satisfactory, and secure with regard to safety, for preparing the various prefluorinated ketones and alcohols required by the agrochemical and pharmaceutical industries. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention has made it possible to attain this objective, long sought after by industry: to provide a secure, relatively nonhazardous and economical process for preparing perfluorinated ketones and alcohols. 
     The present invention relates to a process for perfluoroalkylation of acid anhydrides by bringing a perfluoroalkyl iodide or perfluoroalkyl bromide into contact with an acid anhydride in the presence of a metal chosen from zinc and cadmium. 
     In the present invention, the term acid anhydride preferably includes three classes of compounds: 
     (1) anhydrides of straight-chain or branched-chain aliphatic monoacids 
     (2) anhydrides of diacids, and 
     (3) anhydrides of aromatic monoacids. 
     Preferred anhydrides of straight-chain or branched-chain aliphatic monoacids include anhydrides of monoacids containing 1 to 8 carbon atoms, optionally substituted by an alkoxy group containing 1 to 2 carbon atoms, by a phenoxy group, by an aralkyl group or by a cycloalkyl group containing 3 to 6 carbon atoms. Still more preferred are anhydrides of straight-chain aliphatic monoacids containing 1 to 4 carbon atoms, most preferably acetic anhydride. Exemplary acid anhydrides of this first class include: 
     the anhydrides of α- and β-methoxy- or -ethoxybutyric acids 
     the anhydrides of methoxy- or ethoxypropionic acids 
     the anhydrides of methoxy- and ethoxyacetic acids 
     phenoxybutyric anhydride 
     phenoxypropionic anhydride 
     phenoxyacetic anhydride 
     butyric anhydride 
     isobutyric anhyride 
     cyclohexylbutyric anhydride 
     cyclohexylpropionic anhydride 
     cyclohexylacetic anhydride 
     cyclohexylcarboxylic anhydride 
     the anhydrides of cyclopentylbutyric, -propionic, -acetic and -carboxylic acids 
     the anhydrides of cyclopropylbutyric, -propionic, -acetic and -carboxylic acids 
     phenylacetic anhydride, and the anhydrides of phenylbutyric and -propionic acids. 
     Exemplary diacid anhydrides include saturated or unsaturated mono- or polycyclic diacid anhydrides. It is preferred to employ succinic anhydride or phthalic anhydride. 
     Acid anhydrides of this second class may include: 
     succinic anhydride 
     glutaric anhydride 
     cyclohexanedicarboxylic anhydride 
     5-norbornene-2,3-dicarboxylic anhydride 
     maleic anhydride 
     citraconic anhydride 
     naphthalenedicarboxylic anhydride 
     phthalic anhydride, and 
     1,2,3,6-tetrahydrophthalic anhydride. 
     The anhydrides of aromatic monoacids may include anhydrides of mono- or polycyclic monoacids optionally substituted by a fluorine or chlorine atom, an alkoxy group containing 1 to 2 carbon atoms, an alkyl group containing 1 to 2 carbon atoms or a trifluoromethyl group. 
     Exemplary acid anhydrides of this third class may include: 
     benzoic anhydride 
     anisic anhydride 
     fluorobenzoic anhydride, and toluic anhydride, the above compounds having the carboxyl group which forms the anhydride directly attached to a phenyl ring. 
     The perfluoroalkyl iodides or perfluoroalkyl bromides are preferably chosen from trifluoromethyl bromide and perfluoroalkyl iodides whose perfluorinated alkyl chain contains 2 to 12 carbon atoms. This preference is not due to a difference in the reactivity of the bromo or iodo compounds, but solely due to a cost difference. In fact, bromotrifluoromethane is much less expensive than iodotrifluoromethane and, conversely, perfluoroalky iodides such as perfluoroethyl and perfluorobutyl iodides are much less expensive than their bromide analogs. 
     To make the invention easier to employ, a polar aprotic solvent and/or a pyridine are/is employed. 
     The polar aprotic solvents are preferably chosen from: 
     dimethylformamide 
     dimethylacetamide 
     N-methylpyrrolidone. 
     The pyridines employed may be substituted or unsubstituted. It is preferred to employ pyridine and methylpyridine. 
     Among all these solvents, it is preferred to employ dimethylformamide and/or pyridines. 
     In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a ratio (atom/mole) of the metal, zinc or cadmium, to the anhydride which is greater than or equal to 1 and lower than or equal to 2, and a molar ratio of the perfluoroalkyl iodide or perfluoroalkyl bromide to the anhydride which is greater than or equal to 1, are employed. If the perfluoroalkyl halide is used in excess, and the perfluoroalkyl halide employed is bromotrifluoromethane, the latter will be easily recycled, since it is in the form of a gas. 
     For better implementation of the reaction, it is preferable to maintain a temperature below 115° C., and still more preferable to maintain a temperature of from 20° to 70° C. 
     The pressure is preferably higher than atmospheric pressure when the perfluoroalkyl halide is gaseous and, more preferably, from 1 to 15 bars. 
     The operation is preferably carried out in the absence of oxygen. 
     Products which may be obtained by the process of the present invention include: 
     1,1,1-trifluoroacetone 
     1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoro-2-methyl-2-propanol 
     1,1,1-trifluoro-2-pentanone 
     3-hydroxy-3-trifluoromethyl-1-isobenzofuranone 
     3-hydroxy-3-(tridecafluror-n-hexyl) (3H)-1-isobenzofuranone 
     5,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)tetrahydro-2-furanone, and 
     5-hydroxy-5-trifluoromethyltetrahydro-2-furanone. 
     The products obtained by the process of the invention may be employed, in particular, as active agents for regulating plant growth, or as transformer fluids (U.S. Pat. No. 3,236,894). 
     The invention is described more completely with the aid of the following examples, which should not be considered as limiting the invention. 
     EXAMPLE 1: 
     ACETIC ANHYDRIDE - Zn -CF 3  Br 
     25 ml of dimethylformamide, 5 ml of acetic anhydride (0.053 mole) and 5 g of zinc powder (0.077 mole) were placed in a thick glass flask. 
     The flask was placed in a Parr apparatus. This was evacuated, and then bromotrifluoromethane was introduced up to a pressure of 3.6 bars. The flask was agitated during the reaction period, the pressure being maintained between 4 and 2.5 bars. 
     The 1,1,1-trifluoroacetone obtained was identified by  19  F NMR, and the yield determined after addition of 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol to the crude for handling. It amounted to 26%.  19  F NMR (CFC1 3  ext.) =-79 ppm (s, CF 3 ) 
     EXAMPLE 2: 
     ACETIC ANHYDRIDE - Cd - CF 3  Br 
     25 ml of pyridine, 10 ml of acetic anhydride (0.11 mole) and 12 g of cadmium powder (0.11 mole) were placed in a thick glass flask. 
     The flask was placed in a Parr apparatus. This was evacuated, and then bromotrifluoromethane was introduced up to a pressure of 3.6 bars. The flask was agitated during the reaction period, the pressure being maintained between 4 and 2.5 bars. 
     The 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoro-2-methyl-2-propanol product obtained was identified by  19  F NMR.  19  F NMR (CFC1 3  ext.)=-80.3 ppm (q, CF 3 ) 
     EXAMPLE 3: 
     BUTYRIC ANHYDRIDE - Zn - CF 3  Br 
     10 ml of butyric anhydride (0.061 mole), 25 ml of pyridine and 6 g of zinc powder (0.092 mole) were placed in a thick glass flask. 
     The flask was placed in a Parr apparatus. This was evacuated, and then bromotrifluoromethane was introduced up to a pressure of 3.6 bars. The flask was agitated throughout the reaction period, the pressure being maintained between 4 and 2.5 bars. 
     The mixture was filtered, and then hydrolyzed and 30 ml of ice-cold 10% hydrochloric acid with stirring for 30 minutes. 
     After extraction with ether, washing with water, drying over magnesium sulfate and evaporation of the solvent, the 1,1,1-trifluoro-2-pentanone was distilled: 
     b.p. =70-74° C. The yield amounted to 20%. 
       19  F NMR (CFC1 3  ext.)=-76 ppm (s, CF 3 ) 
       1  H NMR (TMS int.)=2.3 ppm (q, CH 2 ) 
     1.7 ppm (sext., CH 2 ) 
     1 ppm (t, CH 3 ) 
     EXAMPLE 4: 
     PHTHALIC ANHYDRIDE - Zn - CF 3  Br 
     5 g of phthalic anhydride (0.034 mole), 40 ml of pyridine and 4 g of zinc powder (0.062 mole) were placed in a thick glass flask. 
     The flask was placed in a Parr apparatus. This was evacuated, and then bromotrifluoromethane was introduced up to a pressure of 3.6 bars. The flask was agitated throughout the reaction period, the pressure being maintained between 4 and 2.5 bars. 
     The mixture was filtered and then hydrolyzed with 50 ml of ice-cole 10% hydrochloric acid with stirring for 30 minutes. 
     After extraction with chloroform, washing with water, drying over magnesium sulfate and evaporation of the solvent, the 3-hydroxy-3-trifluoromethyl (3H)-1-isobenzofuranone was distilled under reduced pressure: 
     b.p.=80°-90° C./7.6×10 -3  mm Hg. 
     The yield was 4.5 g (61%); m.p.=98.2° C. (literature m.p.=98-100° C.). 
     19 F  NMR (CFC1 3  etx.)=-82 ppm (s, CF 3 ) 
       1  H NMR (TMS int.)=8-7.5 ppm (m, Ar) 4.4 ppm (OH) 
       13  C NMR (TMS int.)=167.05 ppm (C=0) 141.6-135.5-132.4-126.7-126.07-124.03 ppm (C - Ar) 117.8 ppm (q, CF 3 , J=280 Hz) 100.3 ppm (q, C - CF 3 , J=35 Hz) 
     IR (KBr)=3350 cm -1  (OH) 1765 cm -1  (C=O) 1605 cm -1  (C=C-Ar) 
     Mass m/e=218 (M + ), 201 (M +  - OH), 149 (M +  - CF 3 ) 
     EXAMPLE 5: 
     PHTHALIC ANHYDRIDE - Cd - CF 3  Br 
     5 g of phthalic anhydride (0.0338 mole), 40 ml of pyridine and 5 g of cadmium powder (0.0446 mole) were placed in a thick glass flask. 
     The remaining procedure was as in Example 4. 
     3.7 g of 3-hydroxy-3-trifluoromethyl (3H)-1-isobenzofuranone (50%) were obtained. 
     EXAMPLE 6: 
     PHTHALIC ANHYDRIDE - Zn - C 6  F 13  I 
     20 ml of pyridine, 3 g of phthalic anhydride (0.021 mole) and 2 g of zinc powder (0.031 mole) were placed in a round-bottomed flask. 
     This was puged with argon and 10 g of 1-iodoperfluoro-n-hexane (0.0224 mole) were then added with stirring. 
     The mixture was filtered and then hydrolyzed with 20 ml of ice-cold 10% hydrochloric acid with stirring for 30 minutes. 
     After extraction with chloroform, washing with water, drying over magnesium sulfate and evaporation of the solvent, the 3-hydroxy-3-(tridecafluoro-n-hexyl) (3H)-1-isobenzofuranone obtained was distilled under reduced pressure: 
     b.p.=94° C./4×10 -2  mm Hg. 
     2 g (21%) of product which crystallizes were obtained: 
     m.p.=107.3° C. 
       19  F NMR (CFC1 3  ext.)=-81.3 ppm (E, CF 3 ): -118.7 to -128.3 ppm (m, 10 F). 
       1  H NMR (TMS int.)=8-7.5 ppm (m, 4H Ar); 4.3 ppm (OH). 
     EXAMPLE 7: 
     SUCCINIC ANHYDRIDE - Zn - CF 3  Br 
     5 g of succinic anhydride (0.05 mole), 50 ml of pyridine and 4 g of zinc powder (0.0615 mole) were placed in a thick glass flask. 
     The flask was placed in a Parr apparatus. This was evacuated, and then bromotrifluoromethane was introduced up to a pressure of 3.6 bars. The flask was agitated throughout the reaction period, the pressure being maintained between 4 and 2.5 bars. 
     The mixture was filtered, and then hydrolyzed with 50 ml of ice-col 10% hydrochloric acid with stirring for 30 minutes. 
     After extraction with ether, washing with water, drying over magnesium sulfate and evaporation of the solvent, the two products obtained were separated by gas phase chromatography (column: 30% SE 30 on Chromosorb PAW 45/60 mesh) at 140° C. 
     These two products were 5,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)tetra-hydro-2-furanone and 5-hydroxy-5-trifluoromethyl-tetrahydro-2-furanone, in yields of 40% and 18%, respectively. 
     5,5-Bis(trifluoromethyl)tetrahydro-2-furanone ##STR1## 
       19  F NMR (CFC1 3  ext.): 
     -77.3 ppm (s, CF 3 ) 
       1  H NMR (TMS int.): 
     3-2.4 ppm (m, CH 2  --CH 2 ) 
       13  C NMR (TMS int.) 
     172.8 ppm (C=0) 
     122.2 ppm (q, CF 3 , J=285 Hz) CF 3   
     80.8 ppm (sept. C, J=32 Hz) CF 3   
     26.2 ppm and 23.2 ppm (CH 2 , CH 2 ) 
     5-Hydroxy-5-trifluoromethyltetrahydro-2-furanone ##STR2## 
       19  F NMR (CFC1 3  ext.): 
     -84.7 ppm (s, CF 3 ) 
       1  H NMR (TMS int.): 
     6 ppm (OH) 
     3.2-2.1 ppm (m, CH 2  --CH 2 ) 
       13  C NMR (TMS int.): 
     176.04 ppm (C=0) 
     122 ppm (q, CF 3 , J=287 Hz) 
     102.3 ppm (q, C-CF 3 , J=35 Hz) 
     28.5 ppm and 27.8 ppm (CH 2  --CH 2 ) 
     EXAMPLES 8-11 
     The following table recites the starting anhydrides, operating conditions, products obtained and yields thereof for Examples 8 to 11. Bromotrifluoromethane was employed as the perfluoroalkyl halide in Examples 8 to 11. 
     
         __________________________________________________________________________  Starting  Operating  ProductsEx  anhydride conditions obtained      Yield__________________________________________________________________________8 Benzoic anhydride       15 g (0.064 mole) 25 ml pyridine or DMF                   ##STR3##     5%  (PhCO).sub.2 O       5 g Zn (0.077 mole) 20° C.                   ##STR4##     10%   ##STR5## 5 g (0.025 mole) 50 ml pyridine 3 g Zn (0.046       mole) 20° C.                   ##STR6##     10%10   ##STR7## 10 g (0.102 mole) 25 ml pyridine  or DMF 7 g Zn (0.108 mole)       20° C.                   ##STR8##     5%11   ##STR9## 5 g (0.045 mole) 25 ml pyridine 3.5 g Zn (0.054 mole)       20° C.                   ##STR10##    5% 5%__________________________________________________________________________