The chemistry and utility of hexafluoroisobutylene (HFIB) and hexafluoroisobutylene oxide (HFIBO)

Hexafluoroisobutylene (HFIB) and hexafluoroisobutylene oxide (HFIBO) are versatile and commercially available partially fluorinated intermediates that can be used to prepare derivatives for photo- and micro-lithography, pharmaceuticals, catalysts, electroluminescent devices, surfactants, and fluoropolymers. Both HFIB and HFIBO undergo a wide range of addition and polymerization reactions. HFIB also undergoes oxidation, reduction, and insertion reactions. HFIB has been studied for its potential as a foam blowing agent, a refrigerant, and a fire suppression agent. This first comprehensive review of HFIB and HFIBO includes both the synthetic preparations and reactions of these materials, which are receiving an increasing amount of research attention in a wide variety of applications and uses.