The synthesis of phosphonic derivatives (phosphonates and phosphonic a
cids) bearing fluorinated chains is presented. Such compounds with dif
ferent spacers between these groups have been produced mainly by the t
elomerization of omega-unsaturated phosphonic derivatives with fluorin
ated transfer agents such as mercaptans. The fluorinated phosphonates
were quantitatively hydrolyzed to fluorinated phosphonic acids via two
pathways: a classical one involving acids and another via silylation.
Most products have been characterized by NMR and mass spectroscopy.