Airco, Inc.

Kirsten Hansen

Ross C Terrell

Processes for the preparation of certain halogenated aliphatic ethers are described, and in particular the preparation of 1,1,2-trifluoro-2-chloroethyl methyl ether, i.e., CH.sub.3 OCF.sub.2 CHFCl. This particular ether has many uses, and is a valuable material for use in the production of the inhalant anesthetic enflurane, 1,1,2-trifluoro-2-chloroethyl difluoromethyl ether, i.e., CF.sub.2 HOCF.sub.2 CHFCl, made and sold under the trademark ETHRANE by Airco, Inc., Montvale, New Jersey 07645.

Process for the preparation of halogenated aliphatic ethers

Process for adjusting the halogen content of halogenated aliphatic ethers, by selective replacement of a halide substituent on the ether with a hydrogen. The process is particularly useful for the production of certain inhalant anesthetics.

Process for adjusting the halogen content of halogenated aliphatic ethers

Methods for the dehalogenation of various haloethers are disclosed, comprising providing a haloether having the formula CX'.sub.3 -[CY.sub.2 ].sub.n -O-CZ.sub.2 -CX.sub.3 in which X', Y, Z and X are specifically disclosed combinations of hydrogen, fluorine chlorine and bromine such that the molecule includes at least one reducible group, but where both portions of any ethyl groups present are not reducible. Dehalogenation of these haloethers is carried out by contacting same with a hydrogen donor comprising an amine, preferably a primary or secondary amine or a primary, secondary or tertiary alkanol amine. The amine is preferably used in combination with a catalyst, such as a varivalent metal or a salt thereof, such as copper or a copper salt.

Growing community of inventors

Berkeley Heights, NJ, United States of America

Kirsten Hansen