Preparation and characterization of a novel organopolysilane. (3,3,3-trifluoropropyl)methylpolysilane

The first soluble fluoroalkylpolysilane high polymer was prepared by a conventional Wurtz-type reaction of dichlorosilane in n-paraffins. The molecular weight distribution of the polymer was monomodal and the molecular weight M w was 31000. The UV absorption maximum due to Si catenation was at 285 nm, which is the shortest wavelength yet reported for an organopolysilane high polymer. The thermochromic behaviour of this polymer was akso observed in the solid state at temperatures from -120 to 100°C. The polymer began to decompose at around 200°C and its T g was -3°C.