Robert A. Guistina

Base Hydrolysis Of Poly{Bis(Trifluoroethoxy)Phosphazene}

Abstract The base hydrolysis of high molecular Weight poly{bis(trifluoroethoxy)phosphazene} (I) is an effective method for the incorporation of hydroxy groups onto the phosphorus-nitrogen backbone (II). Incorporation of greater than 7 mole% hydroxy groups yields a semi-crystalline film-forming material. The hydrolysis has been modeled using the cyclic trimer {N3P3(OCH2CF3)6} (III). Comparisons of the 1H NMR spectra of hydrolyzed trimer {N3P3(OCH2CF3)5(OH)} (IV) and the high polymer II allow for the facile monitoring of the extent of hydrolysis. Titration with a Strong base shows the hydroxy groups to be strongly acidic. Viscosity measurements show some loss of molecular weight upon hydrolysis.