Perfluorocyclopentenyl (PFCP) Aryl Ether Polymers via Polycondensation of Octafluorocyclopentene with Bisphenols

A unique class of aromatic ether polymers containing perfluorocyclopentenyl (PFCP) enchainment was prepared from the simple step growth polycondensation of commercial bisphenols and octafluorocyclopentene (OFCP) in the presence of triethylamine. Model studies indicate that the second addition/elimination on OFCP is fast and polycondensation results in linear homopolymers and copolymers without side products. The synthesis of bis(heptafluorocyclopentenyl) aryl ether monomers and their condensation with bisphenols further led to PFCP copolymers with alternating structures. This new class of semifluorinated polymers exhibit surprisingly high crystallinity in some cases and excellent thermal stability.