Process for producing desflurane from isoflurane with antimony pentafluoride and HF

摘要

Disclosed is a process for the preparation of desflurane, said process comprising forming a mixture comprising 1-chloro-2,2,2- trifluoroethyl difluoromethyl ether (CF3CHCIOCHF2, isoflurane), hydrogen fluoride and antimony pentafluoride, such that desflurane is formed. Also disclosed is a process for the preparation of desflurane which comprises: a) forming a mixture comprising CF3CHCIOCHF2, antimony pentafluoride, and hydrogen fluoride; and b) adding hydrogen fluoride to the mixture at a rate approximately equal to or less than the rate at which the hydrogen fluoride reacts with the CF3CHCIOCHF2 to form desflurane.