On the formation of 1,4,8,11-tetraoxa-12,12,13,13-tetrafluoro-6-trifluoromethyl-dispiro[4.1.4.2]-tridecane

The degradation of poly(tetrafluoroethylene) by irradiation with accelerated electrons yields a mixture of homologous perfluoroalkenes. Consequently, also mixtures are obtained from reactions of these perfluoroalkenes. Surprisingly, the title compound has been found as crystalline and well-defined substance on the reaction of such degradation products with ethylene glycol. The formation of this new compound is evidence of the presence of branched cyclic perfluoroalkenes in such mixtures.