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2025-04-25T18:39:38Z

Low molecular weight fluorinated ethers

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'''Perfluoroethers''' are a class of [[organofluorine compound]] containing one or more [[ether]] [[functional group]]. In general these compounds are structurally analogous to the related hydrocarbon ethers, except for the distinctive properties of [[fluorocarbon]]s.

The introduction of an ether function to a perfluoro-polymer chain also provides thermoplastic properties to the polymer, making thermal forming possible. This is a great technological advantage for producing a large variety of shapes (e.g., beakers, funnels, flasks for laboratory uses, etc...) and allows [[Plastics extrusion|extrusion]] of highly chemically-resistant tubing. It also confers on the polymer a translucent appearance.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |author=Günter Siegemund |author2=Werner Schwertfeger |author3=Andrew Feiring |author4=Bruce Smart |author5=Fred Behr |author6=Herward Vogel |author7=Blaine McKusick |title=Fluorine Compounds, Organic|encyclopedia=Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry|publisher=Wiley-VCH|place=Weinheim|year=2002|doi=10.1002/14356007.a11_349|isbn=3-527-30673-0}}</ref>

==Low molecular weight fluorinated ethers==
[[Image:pfa tubing.jpeg|thumb|right|[[Perfluoroalkoxy alkane|PFA]] tubing is commonly used to handle aggressive chemicals]]
[[Image:Nafion2.svg|thumb|right|[[Nafion]] is a fluoroether with strongly acidic sulfonic acid substituents]]
[[Open-chain compound|Acyclic]] perfluoroethers are analogues of [[diethylether]], e.g. O(C2F5)2, such perfluoro(2-ethoxyethane)sulfonic acid (PFEESA).

Of practical utility are the fluorinated [[epoxide]]s. [[Tetrafluorooxirane|Tetrafluoroethylene oxide]] and [[hexafluoropropylene oxide]]. These are precursors of [[perfluoro(methyl vinyl ether)]] (CF2=CFOCF3) and perfluoro(propyl vinyl ether),<ref name="PerfluorinatedVinylEtherSynthesisPatent">{{cite patent |country = US |number = 3180895A |invent1 = John Ferguson Harris, Jr. |invent2 = Donald Irwin McCane |status = patent |title = Fluorocarbon Ethers |gdate = 1965-04-27 |fdate = 1960-11-25}}</ref> and are used as [[monomer|comonomer]]s with [[tetrafluoroethylene]], where they improve the properties of the resulting [[polytetrafluoroethylene]] (e.g., [[Teflon]]).

==Polymeric perfluoroethers==
[[Perfluoroalkoxy alkane]]s (PFAs) are [[fluoropolymer]]s with properties similar to [[polytetrafluoroethylene]] (PTFE). Methylfluoroalkoxy (MFA) is a polytetrafluoroethylene perfluoro methylvinylether prepared with a different ratio of PTFE and MVE monomers to that used for PFA. In these materials, the ether groups are pendant from the polymer backbone.

[[Krytox]] is a grease generated by the polymerization of hexafluoropropylene oxide. Its [[chemical formula]] is F−(CF(CF3)−CF2−O)''n''−CF2CF3. The ether groups are integral to the polymer chain.<ref name=Ullmann>{{cite encyclopedia|title=Fluoroethers and Fluoroamines |author=Michael G. Costello |author2=Richard M. Flynn |author3=John G. Owens |year=2001|publisher=Wiley-VCH|place=Weinstein|encyclopedia=Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology|doi=10.1002/0471238961.0612211506122514.a01.pub2|isbn=0-471-23896-1}}</ref>

[[Nafion]] is a perfluorinated polyether with pendant [[sulfonic acid]] groups (RSO3H).

== Precautions ==
At high temperatures or in a fire, perfluoroethers decompose and may release [[hydrogen fluoride]]. Any residue must be handled using protective equipment.

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* [https://www.fluorotherm.com/technical-information/materials-overview/pfa-properties/ MFA Properties]

[[Category:Fluoropolymers]]
[[Category:Thermoplastics]]
[[Category:Organofluorides]]
[[Category:Perfluorinated compounds]]

Perfluoroether - Revision history

imported>Fishsicles: /* Low molecular weight fluorinated ethers */