Production of Fluorocarbons

A description is herein given of the general method by which fluorocarbons and some of their derivatives are obtained from hydrogen fluoride, an organic compound, and an electric current. The cells used are made of any material resistant to hydrogen fluoride; the cathodes are usually iron and the anodes nickel. The cells are usually operated at potentials of five to six volts. At these potentials fluorine is not generated, but at much higher potentials it is with resulting explosions and extensive decomposition of the organic material. The principal fluorocarbon product contains the same number of carbon atoms as the hydrocarbon radical of the organic compound. The process is illustrated in the employment of pyridine as the source material and other nitrogen-containing examples. The peculiar behavior of mercuric cyanide in the cells is described.