Hexafluorocyclobutene


Hexafluorocyclobutene is the organofluorine compound with the formula 22. A colorless gas, it is a precursor to a variety of compounds, including squaric acid. Hexafluorocyclobutene is prepared in two steps from chlorotrifluoroethylene. The thermal dimerization gives 1,2-dichloro-1,2,3,3,4,4-hexafluorocyclobutane. Dechlorination of the latter gives hexafluorocyclobutene:

Safety

Reminiscent of perfluoroisobutene, hexafluorocyclobutene is quite toxic with an LD = 6000 mg/min/m−3.