Experimental and Density Functional Theory Studies on 1,1,1,4,4,4-Hexafluoro-2-Butene Pyrolysis

Area of Science:

• Chemical Engineering
• Materials Science
• Environmental Chemistry

Background:

• 1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-butene (HFO-1336mzz(Z)) is a hydrofluoroolefin with potential applications.
• Understanding its thermal decomposition is crucial for safety and environmental impact assessment.
• Hydrogen fluoride (HF) is a hazardous byproduct of fluorocarbon decomposition.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the thermal stability of HFO-1336mzz(Z) within a specific temperature range.
• To identify the products of HFO-1336mzz(Z) thermal decomposition, with a focus on hydrogen fluoride (HF).
• To elucidate the reaction pathways and mechanisms governing the thermal decomposition of HFO-1336mzz(Z).

Main Methods:

• Experimental thermal decomposition conducted between 873-1073 K.
• Analysis of detected products and experimental observations.
• Computational investigation using Density Functional Theory (DFT) with M06-2X/6-311++(d,p) level theory.
• Proposal of seven distinct chemical reaction pathways for HFO-1336mzz(Z) pyrolysis.

Main Results:

• Thermal decomposition of HFO-1336mzz(Z) occurs in three distinct stages.
• Hydrogen fluoride (HF) concentration increases progressively with rising decomposition temperatures.
• DFT calculations provided insights into the mechanisms of HF and other product formation.
• Seven potential reaction pathways for HFO-1336mzz(Z) pyrolysis were proposed.

Conclusions:

• HFO-1336mzz(Z) exhibits thermal decomposition behavior that is temperature-dependent.
• The formation of HF is a significant outcome of HFO-1336mzz(Z) thermal decomposition.
• The proposed DFT-based reaction mechanisms offer a detailed understanding of the pyrolysis process.