α,ω-dialkoxyfluoropolyethers: apromising class of hydrofluoroether (HFE)

The α,ω-dialkoxyfluoropolyethers (DA-FPEs) characterized by structure RHO(CF2CF2O)n(CF2O)mRH have been recently developed as a new class of environmental friendly hydrofluoropolyethers (HFPEs) suitable as solvents, refrigerants and heat transfer. The synthetic methodologies for the preparation of this new class of fluid have been reviewed and physical properties of selected α,ω-dimethoxyfluoropolyethers have been evaluated and compared with analogous hydrofluoropolyethers (H-FPEs) having -OCF2H as end-groups. Atmospheric implications and global warming potentials (GWP) of selected α,ω-dimethoxyfluoropolyethers have been also considered.