Diphosphatetraazacyclooctatetraenes. II. Properties and degradations

1,5-Bis(diphenylphospha)-3,7-bis(perfluoroalkylether)-2,4,6,8- tetraazacyclooctatetraene and 1,3-bis(diphenylphospha)-5,7-bis(perfluoroalkylether) -2,4,6,8-tetraazacyclooctatetraene were found to decompose at 316°C to phospha-s-triazines. The symmetrical arrangement liberated perfluoroalkylether nitrile with concommitant formation of the corresponding diphospha-s-triazine; the unsymmetrical isomer eliminated the (C₆H₅)₂PN unit to give the monophospha-s-triazine. The thermal and oxidative stabilities of the two compounds differed widely, with the unsymmetrical isomer being significantly more stable than the symmetrical arrangement. Spectral data pertinent to these results are discussed. Both materials were found to be effective in arresting perfluoroalkylether fluid degradation in oxidizing atmospheres in the presence of metal alloys.