Recent advances in the preparation of semifluorinated polymers

Synthesis of semifluorinated polymers containing fluorous groups on the backbone or as side chains is an increasingly popular field of research. Introduction of fluorine in polymers offers many potential benefits such as decreased surface energy, modification of thermal properties, and enhanced self-assembly. Preparation of novel semifluorinated polymers offers an interesting challenge, as fluorous monomers are less common, often need to be synthesized, and can have different reactivities than their hydrocarbon analogues. Alternatively, polymers can be fluorinated as a post-polymerization modification, however achieving a balance between fluorination and polymer degradation remains a challenge. In this mini-review, we will explore recent methods in the post-polymerization fluorination of commodity polymers as well as the polymerization of less common fluorous monomers.