Structural Studies of Semifluorinated n-alkanes. 1. Synthesis and Characterization of f(cf₂)_n(ch₂)_mh in the Solid State

A series of semifluorinated n-alkanes, F(CF2)n(CH2)mH, has been synthesized as models for semiflexible polymers. In addition to the melting endotherm, DSC measurements indicate the presence of solid-solid phase transitions. Characterization of the molecular structure and the packing of chains in the crystal lattice in the room-temperature phase has been carried out by Raman spectroscopy, small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), and wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD). Several possible packing structures consistent with these measurements are discussed. © 1984, American Chemical Society. All rights reserved.