Abstract
The synthesis of various derivatives of pentafluorophenetole of the type C6F5OCH2CH2R is described. The R group was chlorine, bromine, hydroxyl, pentafluorophenoxy, acetoxy, and trifluoroacetoxy. 2-Pentafluorophenoxy-1,1,1-trifluoroethane and 1,1-bis(pentafluorophenoxy)ethane were similarly synthesized. A study was made of the behavior of these ethers toward pyrolysis, acids, and bases. In general, those ethers containing β-hydrogen atoms give pentafluorophenol on pyrolysis. Some compounds, such as 2-pentafluorophenoxyethyl bromide, give rearranged products as well. Under basic conditions, cleavage to pentafluorophenol was observed with aqueous potassium hydroxide, whereas the use of solid potassium hydroxide pellets gives dehydrohalogenated products. Concentrated sulfuric acid causes cleavage of most of the ethers employed. 2-Pentafluorophenoxy-1,1,1-trifluoroethane resists attack both by acids and bases. The synthesis and polymerization of two new vinyl monomers, pentafluorophenyl vinyl ether and 1,2-difluorovinyl pentafluorophenyl ether, are also presented.
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