MATRIX-ISOLATION SPECTROSCOPIC STUDY OF TETRAFLUOROETHYLENE OXIDATION

The oxidation of tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) by molecular oxygen has been studied by condensation of the gas-phase reaction mixture into an argon matrix at 10 K, trapping the reaction intermediates for infrared spectroscopic analysis. The major product was found to be CF2 with CF3, CF3O2, FCO, and FO2 radicals formed in smaller amounts. The concentrations of CF2 and other species were dependent on both the oxygen concentration and the reaction temperature. Interestingly, it was found that virtually no CF2 was formed in the absence of oxygen even at the highest temperature studied. The catalytic decomposition of TFE is indicated from the experimental results as occurring by TFE + O2 --> C2F4OO --> CF2 + CF2OO --> 2 CF2 + O2. The absence of CF2O as a product illustrates the utility of matrix isolation to quench the reaction in the initial stages and allow identification of transient intermediates.