Reaction of methanol with perfluorotetracyclobuta-1,3,5,7-cyclooctatetraene

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/0022-1139(95)03368-8

Perfluorotetracyclobuteno-1,3,5,7-cyclooctatetraene (PCOT) is a planar and centrosymmetric molecule which possesses an extraordinary electron affinity due to the planarity of the eight π-electron system and the cumulative electron-withdrawing effects of the 16 fluorine atoms. An improved method for the synthesis of PCOT and the product resulting from the spontaneous reaction of PCOT with excess alcohol is reported. Crystal structures of the methyl (1) and ethyl (2) derivatives are described.