US Patent 7132578 One-step synthesis of CF

A process for the preparation of trifluoromethyl iodide is provided. The process includes the step of contacting in a reactor a compound represented by the formula:CF3—Wand a compound represented by the formula:IFn wherein W can be H, Br, Cl, COOH, COCl, COOCH3, COOC2H5, COCH3, COPh, CF3, Si(CH3)3, SPh, SCH3, SSCF3, SSPh, SSCH3, or SO2Cl, wherein n is 1, 3, 5, or 7, and wherein the step of contacting is carried out, at a temperature, pressure and for a length of time sufficient to produce trifluoromethyl iodide. The contacting step can be carried out in the presence or absence of a catalyst and the contacting step can be carried out in the presence or absence of air.