High-resolution 19F and 1H NMR of a vinylidenefluoride telomer

The reaction products of vinylidenefluoride (VDF) with methanol as a telogen have been analysed in the solution state by 1H and 19F nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. High-resolution 19F and 1H NMR spectra were achieved using high-power 1H and 19F decoupling, respectively, giving superior resolution and revealing previously unresolved signals of the vinylidenefluoride telomer (VDFT). 1H and 19F homo- and hetero-nuclear scalar coupling constants are presented and the spectra of functional groups and reverse units (including the identification of short-chain structures) are discussed. Furthermore, the application of 19F or 1H decoupling for the correct assessment of reverse-unit content and degree of polymerisation is demonstrated. This work highlights the need for high-resolution NMR spectroscopy to determine both the chemical structure and the composition of these important fluoropolymers.