Synthesis of Keto Hexafluoro Alkyl Sulfonyl Amides Via Radical Ring-Opening Polymerization of Aryl-Substituted Vinyl Cyclohexafluoropropane-1,3-bis(sulfonyl)amides Followed by Hydrolysis

The radical reaction of aryl-substituted vinyl cyclohexafluoropropane-1,3-bis(sulfonyl)amides (c-HFSI) followed by hydrolysis affords novel fluoroalkyl compounds. The key process in this reaction is the radical addition of c-HFSI to vinyl triflate, which is followed by β-cleavage (ring-opening reaction) and subsequent sulfur dioxide elimination to form fluoroalkyl radicals. By replacement of the hydrolysis with a reduction reaction, a robust polymer was obtained.