Synthesis of perfluoro[2.2]paracyclophane

J Org Chem. 2008 Mar 21;73(6):2469-72. doi: 10.1021/jo7026849. Epub 2008 Feb 27.

Abstract

A synthesis of perfluoro[2.2]paracyclophane has been sought ever since the partially fluorinated octafluoro[2.2]paracyclophane (AF4) was prepared and its chemistry studied. This compound has now been prepared in 39% yield from the precursor, 1,4-bis(chlorodifluoromethyl)-2,3,5,6-tetrafluorobenzene by its reaction with Zn when heated in acetonitrile at 100 degrees C. Two preparations of the precursor, first from 1,4-dicyano-2,3,5,6-tetrachlorobenzene and an improved method beginning from 1,2,4,5-tetrachlorobenzene, are also described as are key comparisons to our related synthesis of AF4.