Chemistry and applications of perfluoro- and polyfluoroethers

Perfluoro- and polyfluoroethers are substances with unique properties that make them indispensable in modern industry. Inclusion of oxygen links into perfluoropolymers improves their processability and provides elastomer properties while preserving excellent chemical and thermal resistance. Oligomeric perfluoropolyether oils and waxes reach unmatched tribological and lubricant properties. Perfluoropolyether chains provide better behavior in fluorous applications than perfluoroalkyl chains in modified ionic liquids and transition metal complexes. Diblock hydrofluoroethers become today the compounds of choice in heat transfer or cleaning applications owing to their beneficial environmental properties.