Abstract

Bromotrifluoroethylene is a colorless gas that is spontaneously flammable in air and polymerizes at room temperature unless inhibited. It undergoes reactions typical of fluorinated olefins, including halogenation and hydrogenation, and addition of nucleophiles such as alkoxides. It is conveniently prepared in good yield in four steps starting with chlorotrifluoroethylene. Bromotrifluoroethylene is a valuable reagent for the synthesis of trifluorovinylic compounds by means of its intermediate organometallic compounds. Its homopolymer and several copolymers have been reported but find no commercial utility. However, telomers of bromotrifluoroethylene are useful as flotation and damping fluids for gyroscopes and accelerometers in inertial guidance systems. These fluids are expensive but are made in small volume for the aerospace industry.