Functionalized perfluoropolyethers and process for their preparation.

摘要

A process is disclosed for cracking high molecular weight perfluoropolyethers having neutral end groups obtained from the photooxidation of perfluoroolefins or the fluorination of hydrogenated polyalkylene oxides or by polymerization with opening of the partially fluorinated oxetane ring, said process being carried out in the presence of catalysts composed of fluorides, oxyfluorides or oxides of transi­tion metals or of Al, Sn, Sb at temperatures of from 150 to 380°C. The cracking process leads to the formation of low molecular weight perfluoropolyethers having neutral and acid end groups. The perfluoropolyether acids may be converted to functionalized perfluoropolyethers and are useful to produce new polymers.