The thermal decarboxylation of alkali trichloroacetates in aprotic solvents VThe decarboxylation and its catalytic effect on the decomposition of trichloroacetic anhydride

Abstract

Abstract Thermal decarboxylation of sodium trichloroacetate in 1,2‐dimethoxyethane yields NaCl, CO 2 , CO, CCl 4 , perchloroisopropenyl acetate (I) and perchloro‐1,2‐dimethylenecyclobutane (II). Strong evidence is presented for the intermediate formation of trichloroacetic anhydride. This compound was found to be decomposed to CO 2 , CCl 4 , I and II by heating with CCl 3 COONa in 1,2‐dimethoxyethane. The mechanisms of these reactions are discussed.