MODEL COMPOUNDS AND MONOMERS DERIVED FROM 1,1-DIFLUOROETHENE

Saturated model compounds, related to elastomers that are derived from co-polymers of CH2=CF2/CF2=CFCF3, have been synthesised and studied. Unsaturated compounds were obtained by both base- and Lewis-acid induc ed processes. Some reactions with antimony pentafluoride lead to remar kably stable carbocations, and even di-cations, and the nmr data for t hese systems is revealing about structure. Polyconjugated polymers may be obtained by this procedure. Preliminary studies are described, rel ating to the incorporation of crowded monomers into fluorocarbon polym ers, ultimately, as a means of initiating cross-linking processes for curing elastomers.