A method of synthesizing fluoromethylhexafluoroisopropyl ether comprises adding hexafluoroisopropyl alcohol to a mixture comprising a stoichiometric excess of paraformaldehyde and hydrogen fluoride, plus sufficient sulfuric acid to sequester most of the water produced by the reaction. The mixture is maintained at a temperature of at least 57.degree. C., to cause vapor formation by boiling of the fluoromethylhexafluoroisopropyl ether formed. The vapor is then collected and condensed, and may be purified by distillation.

The method of removing fluorinated olefin byproduct formed during the synthesis of a fluoromethylhexafluoroisopropyl ether product or the like comprises: adding ammonia or an amine to the mixture to react with the fluorinated olefin byproduct, and thereafter distilling the fluoromethylhexafluoroisopropyl ether product to remove it from the byproduct.

The present invention relates to an anesthetic composition containing a fluoroether compound and a physiologically acceptable Lewis acid inhibitor. This composition exhibits improved stability and does not readily degrade in the presence of a Lewis acid.

The present invention relates to an anesthetic composition containing a fluoroether compound and a physiologically acceptable Lewis acid inhibitor. This composition exhibits improved stability and does not readily degrade in the presence of a Lewis acid.

The present invention relates to an anesthetic composition containing a fluoroether compound and a physiologically acceptable Lewis acid inhibitor. This composition exhibits improved stability and does not readily degrade in the presence of a Lewis acid.