The CW-CO2 laser induced reaction of CF2HCH3 (I) with Cl2 yields vinylidene fluoride (II) as the main product; other products are CH3CF2Cl, CF2ClCH2Cl, CF2:CHCl, CF2:CCl2 and CF2Cl2. The yield dependence of II on CF2HCH3/Cl2 ratio, the laser irradiation time, the laser power and the pressure of the gaseous reactants have been investigated. Furthermore, the TEA-CO2 laser induced reaction of I with Cl2, the CW-CO2 laser induced reaction of II and II with Cl2 have also been studied in order to gain more mechanistic insights for this complicated reaction system. Apparently, CF2ClCH3 but not CF2HCH2Cl, is the main precursor to II. Interestingly, the relatively strong double bond of CF2:CH2 can be broken by laser irradiation The possibility of applying this laser methodol. to the production of vinylidene fluoride has been discussed.

Key words: CHLORINE, ETHYLENE P, CONTINUOUS WAVE LASER, CO2 LASER, FLUOROHYDROCARBON, FLUOROHYDROCARBON, LASER CHEMISTRY, ETHANE P, LASER APPLICATION