The synthesis of perfluorocyclobutyl aryl ether-based polymers via Kumada catalyst-tranfer polycondensation was studied. Firstly, 1-bromo-4-(1,2,2-trifluorovinyloxy)benzene was prepared through two-step reaction using 4-bromophenol and 1,2-dibromo-1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethane as starting materials. Then, [2π＋2π] cycloaddition of 1-bromo-4-(1,2,2-trifluorovinyloxy)benzene yielded the dimer 4,4 -(perfluorocyclobutane-1,2-diyl)bis(oxy)bis(bromobenzene). Treatment of this dimer with i-PrMgCl gave an intermediate via a magnesium-bromine exchange reaction. Finally, polymerization of the intermediate was carried out using Ni(dppe)Cl₂ as catalyst to yield polymer. Effect of reaction time and temperature as well as the feed ratio of the monomer to the catalyst on the polycondensation was also investigated.

Key words: perfluorocyclobutyl aryl ether, kumada catalyst-tranfer polycondensation, fluoropolymer