One-step process for hexafluoro-2-butene

1. A process for making 1,1,1,4,4,4-hexafluoro-2-butene (HFO-1336) from 2-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoropropene (HCFC-1233xf) comprising reacting HCFC-1233xf with a selected catalyst, at a reactive temperature, to produce HFO-1336.

2. The process of claim 1 , which is conducted in the vapor phase.

3. The process of claim 2 , which is conducted in a continuous manner.

4. The process of claim 2 , wherein the catalyst comprises Fe 2 O 3 /NiO.

5. The process of claim 4 , wherein the catalyst comprises a ratio of about 95-99 wt % Fe 2 O 3 to about 5-1 wt % NiO.

6. The process of claim 4 , wherein the catalyst comprises a ratio of about 98 wt % Fe 2 O 3 to 2 wt % NiO.

7. The process of claim 2 , wherein the catalyst is selected from the group consisting of RuO 2 , RuO 4 , and OsO 4 in combination with oxides of Pd or Pt.

8. The process of claim 2 , wherein the catalyst is impregnated on carbon.

9. The process of claim 8 , wherein the carbon is activated carbon.

10. The process of claim 9 , wherein the activated carbon is granular with a mesh size of 4-14.

11. The process of claim 9 , wherein the activated carbon is pelletized.

12. The process of claim 2 , wherein the reaction temperature ranges from 600° to 650° C.

13. The process of claim 1 , wherein both the trans and cis isomers of HFO-1336 are formed.

14. The process of claim 13 , wherein the predominant isomer of HFO-1336 formed is the trans isomer.

15. The process of claim 14 , wherein the ratio of the trans isomer to the cis isomer of HFO-1336 is about 88:12.

16. The process of claim 15 , wherein the trans isomer is converted into the cis isomer by reaction with an isomerization catalyst.

17. The process of claim 16 , wherein the isomerization catalyst comprises a fluorinated chromia catalyst.

18. The process of claim 1 , further comprising the step of using 1,1,1,4,4,4 hexafluoro-2-butene as a foam blowing agent.