In the reaction of a 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl halide with ammonia to produce 2,2,2-trifluoroethylamine, the improvement which comprises effecting the reaction with from about 1 to 3 moles of ammonia per mole of the trifluoroethyl halide at a temperature of about 170.degree. to 240.degree. C. and a pressure less than about 300 psig in the presence of a substantially anhydrous inert solvent present in at least about the same molar amount as the trifluoroethyl halide. Advantageously the temperature is from about 200.degree. to 220.degree. C., the pressure is at most about 250 psig, the solvent is N-methylpyrrolidone present in at least about 3 times the molar amount of the trifluoroethyl halide, and the halide is the chloride.