A general and convenient preparation of [bis(trifluoroacetoxy)iodo]perfluoroalkanes and [bis(trifluoroacetoxy)iodo]arenes by oxidation of organic iodides using oxone and trifluoroacetic acid

[Bis(trifluoroacetoxy)iodo]perfluoroalkanes [C.sub.n][F.sub.2n+1]I[(OCOC[F.sub.3]).sub.2] is prepared by the oxidation of the corresponding perfluoroalkyl iodides with Oxone in trifluoroacetic acid at room temperature and converted to the stable [hydroxyl(tosyloxy)iodo]perfluoroalkanes by treatment with p-toluenesulfonic acid. This method is extended to the preparation of various [bis(trifluoroacetoxy)iodo]arenes.