Fluorination of acrylate esters and derivatives

Abstract

The present disclosure generally relates to processes for converting acrylate esters or a derivative thereof to difluoropropionic acid or a derivative thereof. This process is generally performed using fluorine gas in a hydrofluorocarbon solvent. In particular, a continuous process for fluorinating a double bond is disclosed, the process comprising forming a reaction stream comprising a compound of formula 1 or formula 5 dissolved in a hydrofluorocarbon or fluorocarbon solvent, wherein Ris hydroxy, alkoxy, chloro, or —OC(O)CH═CHthe reaction stream flowing through a continuous fluorination reactor at a flow rate of from about 0.2 mL/minute to about 2 mL/minute and fluorine gas flows through the continuous fluorination reactor at a gas flow rate of from about 0.2 mmol/minute to about 2 mmol/minute; whereby reaction of the compound of formula 1 or formula 5 with the fluorine gas forms a compound of formula 2 or formula 6 wherein Ris hydroxy, alkoxy, chloro, or —OC(O)CHFCHF.