Pentafluorophenyl vinyl ketone: Synthesis, radical polymerization, copolymerization, and polymer degradation under ultra-violet irradiation

In this study, we report the synthesis of a new fluorinated vinyl monomer, that is, pentafluorophenyl vinyl ketone [1-(pentafluorophenyl)prop-2-en-1-one], its radical polymerization and copolymerization with styrene, methyl vinyl ketone, or phenyl vinyl ketone. The obtained homo- and co-polymers were subjected to thermal analysis, contact angle measurement, and an assay of resistance to UV irradiation. The results showed that the poly(pentafluorophenyl vinyl ketone) has a slightly greater contact angle and a lower temperature of the maximum decomposition rate when compared to the nonfluorinated analog: poly(phenyl vinyl ketone).