A continuous process for producing hexafluoroisopropanol is provided which
comprises contacting hexafluoroacetone with hexafluoroisopropanol and
hydrogen to produce a liquid feed stream; introducing the liquid feed
stream to a reactor containing an immobilized hydrogenation catalyst to
convert the hexafluoroacetone to hexafluoroisopropanol and provide a
product stream; and recovering at least a portion of the
hexafluoroisopropanol from the product stream. Preferably a portion of
the product stream is recycled. The reactor can be a packed bed or
stirred tank reactor.