Processo para a preparação de 1,1,1-triclorotrifluoretano

There is provided a process for the preparation of 1,1,1-trichlorotrifluororethane in which 1,1-dichloro-2,2,2-trifluoroethane is subjected to chlorination by bringing the 1,1-dichloro-2,2,2-trifluoroethane into contact with chlorine within a reaction vessel characterised in that the process is conducted in the liquid phasein the presence of a chemical free radical initiator under a pressure of from 1 to 20 bar and at a temperature within the range 50 to 120° C., and the product is separated from the reaction mixture by fractional distillation. The product is useful in the manufacture of insecticides.