Manufacture of 1,1,1,2,3,3-hexafluoropropane and 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoropropane via catalytic hydrogenation

Abstract

A process for producing hydrofluorocarbon compounds represented by the following formula: CF3CHFCHm+1Fn wherein m is 0 or 2; n is 0 or 2; and m+n=2. The process has the step of contacting, i.e., reacting, hydrogen with a precursor compound represented by the following formula: CF3CF═CHmFn wherein m is 0 or 2; n is 0 or 2; and m+n=2. The contact is carried out in the presence of a solid catalyst and in the presence or absence of an inert gas. The catalyst is selected from the group consisting of: Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Cr, Ru, Rh, Ag, Re, Os, Ir, Pt, Au, Sn, and any combinations thereof. For the hydrogenation of 1234yf to 254eb, Pd can also be used as catalyst in addition to the other above-referenced metals. These metals are preferably supported on a carrier such as activated carbon.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.