SEMIFLUORINATED SYMMETRICAL DIETHERS

Semifluorinated unbranched symmetrical diethers have been synthesized via the Williamson ether synthesis and their chemical and physical pro perties investigated. They are remarkably inert compounds, being resis tant to nucleophiles, oxidizers and mineral acids. Their oxygen solubi lity is similar to that of perfluorocarbons although their density is significantly lower. Semifluorinated diethers with long hydrocarbon sp acers and long R(F) tails can be used for solubilizing hydrocarbons an d perfluorocarbons. Diethers with short hydrocarbon spacers and long R (F) tails can replace perfluorocarbons in perfluorocarbon emulsions.