The general procedure for the synthesis of 3,4,5-trichlorobenzotrifluoride from 3,4,5-trichlorobenzotrifluoride was as follows: 860 g of dried cyclobutanesulfone and 524 g of dried potassium fluoride (KF) were added to an autoclave followed by the addition of an appropriate amount of water. Next, 500 g of 3,4,5-trichlorobenzotrifluoride, 5 g of nitrobenzene and 25 g of CNC catalyst were added. After sealing the autoclave, the reaction mixture was heated to 200 °C and maintained for 5 hours, then warmed up to 220 °C to continue the reaction for 12 hours. The maximum total pressure was controlled at 9 bar during the reaction. Upon completion of the reaction, the mixture was cooled to 20 °C and the product was transferred to the cooled receiver by depressurization. Subsequently, the product was distilled at standard pressure. The crude product was redistilled to give 300 g of 3,4,5-trifluorobenzotrifluoride in 75% of the theoretical value and the product was a colorless liquid.
