Novel cellulose derivatives. Part VI. Preparation and thermal analysis of two novel cellulose esters with fluorine-containing substituents

Two novel cellulose esters were prepared with fluorine (F)-containing substituents using homogeneous phase reaction chemistry in DMAc/LiCl. The partially substituted derivatives and their corresponding perpropionates proved to be thermoplastic polymers. The 2,2-difluoroethoxy and 2,2,3,3,4,4,5,5-octafluoropentoxy substituents were easily identified by H-1- and F-19-NMR spectroscopy without disclosing their precise location on the anhydroglucose unit. Thermal analysis revealed modest or no crystallinity; glass transition temperatures between 53 and 113 degrees C; and improved thermal stability as compared to their F-free counterparts. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.