Polyethers derived from bisphenols and highly fluorinated aromatics

A series of fluorinated aromatic polyethers was synthesized via aromatic nucleophilic substitution of highly fluorinated aromatics (1,2,4,5‐tetrafluorobenzene, hexafluorobenzene, and decafluorobiphenyl) with bisphenol AF or bisphenol A. Polymerization with 1,2,4,5‐tetrafluorobenzene was not observed, and polymerization of hexafluorobenzene with bisphenol proceeded only if the potassium carbonate–bisphenol ratio was carefully controlled. The polymer condensed from decafluorobiphenyl and bisphenol AF was prepared in 77% yield with an inherent viscosity of 1.01 dL/g. The polymer prepared from the condensation of decafluorobiphenyl with bisphenol A was obtained in 48% yield with an inherent viscosity of 0.28 dL/g. These polymers were very soluble in common organic solvents, formed clear, colorless films, and were thermally stable (> 450°C by TGA). The fully fluorinated polymer exhibited low water uptake (0.3%) and dielectric constant (2.17). © 1992 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.