Synthesis of α,ω-dimethoxyfluoropolyethers: reaction mechanism and kinetics

• Published in: Journal of fluorine chemistry 2005-04, Vol.126 (4), p.631-637
• Main Authors: Avataneo, M., De Patto, U., Galimberti, M., Marchionni, G.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Alkylation; Dimethoxyfluoropolyethers; Fluorinated fluids; Hydrofluoropolyethers; Methyl fluoroformate; Reaction rate
• ISSN: 0022-1139; 1873-3328
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jfluchem.2005.01.014

A new class of hydrofluoropolyethers, the α,ω-dimethoxyfluoropolyethers (DM-FPEs), characterized by the copolymeric structure CH 3O(CF 2CF 2O) n (CF 2O) m CH 3 has been recently developed. The synthesis of DM-FPEs here described, has been carried out via a new synthetic route which consists of the reaction of a perfluoropolyether diacyl fluoride with methyl fluoroformate in the presence of a metal fluoride. The reaction products are DM-FPEs and carbon dioxide. Several reaction conditions has been tested varying type of solvent, temperature, type and amount of metal fluoride. The best results were obtained using tetraglyme as solvent and CsF as metal fluoride. The synthesis of the α,ω-dimethoxyfluoropolyethers (DM-FPEs) has been carried out via a new synthetic route which consists of the reaction of a perfluoropolyether diacyl fluoride with methyl fluoroformate in the presence of a metal fluoride. Several reaction conditions were tested varying type of solvent, temperature, type and amount of metal fluoride. A kinetic study is presented for the more promising reaction conditions. ▪