Process for the preparation of fluoroxy-halo-compounds

A process for the preparation of fluoroxy halo compounds of the formula:

• (R).sub.n C(F).sub.m --OF (I)
• wherein
• R is an alkyl radical having from 1 to 12 carbon atoms, either partially or fully halogenated with bromine, chlorine and/or fluorine, or R is a perfluoromonoether radical or a perfluoropolyether radical having from 1 to 12 carbon atoms;
• n is an integer which is 1 or 2;
• and
• m is an integer equal to 3-n;
• in which an acyl halide or a ketone of the formula
• (R).sub.n C(X).sub.m-1 O (III)
• wherein
• O represents an oxygen atom directly linked to the carbon atom in the carboxylic form;
• X represents fluorine or chlorine;
• and
• R, m and n having the above meanings, is reacted with fluorine in the presence of a fluorination catalyst selected from the group consisting of cesium fluoride, rubidium fluoride, potassium fluoride, lithium fluoride and sodium fluoride;
• the reaction being conducted in gaseous phase, and under such conditions as to obtain the fluoroxy halo compound in the gaseous state, at an absolute pressure between 50 and 800 kPa and at a temperature higher than -50.degree. C. and up to 100.degree. C., under conditions of continuous feeding of the reactants and continuous removal of the reaction product, so that the dwell time of the reactants in the reaction medium is less than 10 minutes, and under conditions of removal of the reaction heat in order to maintain the temperature at values not exceeding 100.degree. C.