One-pot single-step copolymerization of aromatic trifluorovinyl ethers toward perfluorocyclobutyl (PFCB) segmented copolymers

Abstract

We report a selective [2 + 2] cyclo-copolymerization of aryl trifluorovinyl ethers (TFVEs) toward segmented copolymers. Experimental and computational studies confirm that copolymerization of relatively electron-rich and electron-poor TFVE monomers results in segmented copolymers in a single polymerization. The effect of microstructures on post-sulfonation in the polymer backbones was also investigated.