For many years, research involving small molecule phosphazenes focused almost exclusively on utilizing hexachlorocyclotriphosphazene ([NPCl2]3) as a reactive intermediate. However, it proved difficult to isolate pure products from reactions involving organometallic reagents. To combat this, some research had previously been performed on the fluorinated version of the cyclic trimer, hexafluorocyclotriphosphazene ([NPF2]3). This current research focused on effective methods for synthesizing and purifying [NPF2]3 which was ultimately accomplished by reacting [NPCl2]3 with NaF and then distilling the solution to collect the pure product. The pure [NPF2]3 was then used in a reaction with alkali metal trifluoroethoxide (TFE) to compare the reactivity of the fluorinated and chlorinated versions of the cyclic phosphazene trimer. Although the reactions were very similar, the reaction of TFE with [NPF2]3 could be useful for stabilizing future reactions. The presence of fluorine as opposed to chlorine could lead to reactivity changes of the phosphazene that might allow for cleaner substitution reactions with organometallic reagents. In turn, this could lead to a broad new class of organophosphazene molecules.

Synthesis and reactions of hexafluorocyclotriphosphazene

2019 Spring National Meeting

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