Spectroscopic studies on the oligomers of bromotrifluoro ethylene

The photo-initiated oligomerization of bromotrifluoroethylene in chlorotrifluoromethane medium was found to yield a complex mixture of products. ¹⁹F-nmr, infrared and GC-MS spectra revealed the presence of -CF₂Br and —CF = CF₂ and the absence of —CF Br₂ and —CF₃ end groups in the products. Oligomers up to pentamers were identified and their structures elucidated by GC-MS. A plausible mechanism for their formation is suggested.