FLUORINATED POLY(ETHER SULFONE)S

New fluorinated poly(ether sulfone)s were prepared from bisphenols and α,ωbis(4‐fluorophenylsulfonyl)perfluoroalkanes. The fluorinated sulfone monomers were synthesized by reaction of 4‐fluorobenzenethiol salts with perfluoroalkylene diiodides, followed by oxidation. Sodium carbonate mediated polymerization gave high molecular weight polymers in excellent yield. The polymers are generally soluble in chlorinated hydrocarbons and some dipolar solvents, are amorphous with Tg's in the range of 120–160°C and are stable to 400°C. They form clear, colorless films by solution casting. Cast films have dielectric constants and dissipation factors somewhat below those of typical poly(ether sulfone)s, and show good permeability and selectivity for O2/N2 gas separations. Copyright © 1990 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.