A novel semi-fluorinated graft copolymer containing perfluorocyclobutyl aryl ether-based backbone

The synthesis of a series of novel semi-fluorinated graft copolymers bearing perfluorocyclobutyl (PFCB) aryl ether-based backbone and polystyrene side chains is described. This work initially focused on the synthesis of a trifluorovinyl ether (TFVE) monomer containing a bromine atom, which could be employed as an initiating site for atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). Thermal cyclopolymerization of this TFVE monomer provided a macromolecular initiator followed by subsequent initiating ATRP of styrene to afford the desired PFCB aryl ether-based graft copolymers.

A series of novel semi-fluorinated graft copolymers bearing perfluorocyclobutyl (PFCB) aryl ether-based backbone and polystyrene side chains was synthesized by the combination of thermal polymerization of trifluorovinyl ether (TFVE) monomer and ATRP of styrene.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► A new trifluorovinyl aryl ether (TFVE) monomer bearing an ATRP initiating group was synthesized via the intermediate strategy.
► Thermal cyclopolymerization of TFVE monomer afforded a perfluorocyclobutyl (PFCB) aryl ether-based ATRP macroinitiator.
► ATRP of styrene initiated by the macroinitiator provided a novel semi-fluorinated graft copolymer containing PFCB aryl ether-based backbone.