Free-radical chemistry: Part XII: Radical reactions of trifluoroethene

Free-radical chemistry of trifluoroethene (3FE) is explored. Chain-shortening by telomerisation with acetone occurs and the product is successfully fluorinated to a corresponding perfluorinated material. Other telomerisation reactions involving alcohols, ethers and amines are described and the importance of polar effects on radical reactivity is highlighted. Reactions of alcohol derived telomers with base yields oxetanes and oxiranes which are polymerised to corresponding fluorinated polyethers. Further reactions of telomers are discussed.