Fluorination of tetrafluorobenzenes C6HF4R with XeF2

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/0022-1139(96)03401-X

Replacement of hydrogen by fluorine and addition of fluorine atoms to the aromatic ring were found in the reaction of XeF₂ with 1-R-2,3,4,5-tetrafluorobenzene (R = H, F, Br, NO₂) or 1-R-2,3,4,6-tetrafluorobenzene (R = H, CF₃) in HF or CH₂Cl₂-BF₃·OEt₂. Only fluorine addition took place in the case of 1-R-2,3,5,6-tetrafluorobenzenes (R = H, Br, CF₃) or 1-Br-2,3,4,6-tetrafluorobenzene. The role of cation radicals as reactive intermediates is discusseed.