Fluorinated and halogenated phosphinic acids and their active metal derivatives

Abstract

Compounds of formula (I), methods of making and method of using (including optical compositions and devices) are provided. The compounds are 1

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to optical materials. In particular, this invention relates to ligand compositions for use in optical materials, especially for use in optical gain media.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] As fiber optics are increasingly employed in long distance communications metropolitan network and local access communications, there is an increasing need for efficient, compact optical amplification.

[0004] Optical communication systems based on glass optical fibers (GOFs) allow communication signals to be transmitted not only over long distances with low attenuation but also at extremely high data rates, or bandwidth capacity. This capability arises from the propagation of a single optical signal mode in the low-loss windows of glass located at the near-infrared wavelengths of 0.85 μm, 1.3 μm, and 1.55 μm. Present technology has moved to erbium doped fused silica fiber for optical amplification. Since the introduction of erbium-doped fiber amplifier (EDFA), the last decade has witnessed the emergence of single-mode GOF as the standard data transmission medium for wide area networks (WANs), especially in terrestrial and transoceanic communication backbones. In addition, the bandwidth performance of single-mode GOF has been vastly enhanced by the development of dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM), which can couple up to 160 channels of different wavelengths of light into a single fiber, with each channel carrying, gigabits of data per second. Moreover, a signal transmission of 1 terabit (1012 bits) per second was achieved over a single fiber on a 100-channel DWDM system. In these and other technologies, the bandwidth capacities of the communication networks are increasing at rates of as much as an order of magnitude per year.

[0005] The success of single-mode GOF in long-haul communication backbones has given rise to the new technology of optical networking. The universal objective is to integrate voice, video, and data streams over all-optical systems as communication signals make their way from WANs down to smaller local area networks (LANs), fiber to the curb (FTTC), fiber to the home (FTTH), and finally to the end user by fiber to the desktop (FFTD). Examples, such as the recent explosion of the Internet and use of the World Wide Web, demand higher bandwidth performance in short- and medium-distance applications. Yet, as the optical network nears the end user, starting at the LAN stage, the system is characterized by numerous fiber connections, splices, and couplings, especially those associated with splitting of the input signal into numerous channels. All of these introduce optical loss. To compensate for the loss penalty, current solutions rely on expensive EDFAs that are bulky at fiber lengths of about 40 m. The cost of a typical commercial EDFA can reach many tens of thousands of dollars. Thus, to complete the planned build-out for FTTC, and FFTD in the U.S. would require millions of amplifiers and hundreds of billions of dollars.

[0006] An EDFA module is made up of a number of components. One of the most critical components in the module is the erbium doped silica fiber (EDF). Present EDF is limited by low concentrations of erbium atoms (maximum is about 0.1%), clustering that leads to quenching of photoluminescence, a relatively narrow emission band, a highly wavelength dependent gain spectrum, and an inability to be fabricated in a compact, planar geometry. Efforts have been directed toward the use of other rare earth ions in both fused silica glass hosts and other glasses including fluoride, tellurite, and phosphate glasses. To this point, those efforts have been limited by the fundamental materials properties of the glass media with regard to their ability to dissolve rare earth atoms, mechanical properties, thermal stability, and other key properties. The compositions described herein can be used to make optical materials (including optical fibers) that avoid these and other problems.

[0007] Recently, considerable level of interest has been directed to halogenated phosphinic acids and their derivatives and their use in optical fibers. Many other potential applications have been identified including use in optical devices (e.g., amplifiers, waveguides, or other alcohols), electrolytes in fuel cells, surface active agents, surface modifiers, and inorganic removal compositions. A major obstacle to application of these compounds is the lack of a commercially viable method of synthesis. Shreeve et al. (Inorg. Chem., 2000, vol. 39, pages 1787-1789) report synthesis of various fluorophosphinic acids via oxidation of corresponding iodobis (perfluoro alkyl) phosphines. However, there are several problems with their method including the use of white and red phosphorus, which are dangerous and have extremely toxic side products. Also, reactions with the phosphorus are difficult to scale to commercial levels. Further, intermediates are produced from their reaction of perfluoro alkyl iodides with white or red phosphorous. These unwanted reaction by-products (e.g., (Rf)3P, (Rf)2Pl, and (Rf)1Pl2) must be separated before the desired material, (Rf)2Pl, is converted to its chloride derivatives and finally oxidized with NO2 to yield the desired product, (Rf)2P(O)OH. This additional purification procedure is cumbersome and further hinders commercialization.

[0008] Here, we resolve at least one of these and other problems by teaching novel and facile routes for manufacture of this class of chemicals. Many of the exemplary embodiments include “single pot” syntheses, thereby foregoing purification of intermediates. Additionally, metal complexes made from these compounds posses exceptional properties useful for optical materials (e.g., long fluorescent lifetimes).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Halogenated phosphinic acids, halogenated phosphinic acid-like compounds, derivatives therefrom, and methods for synthesizing and using these compounds are provided. These compounds can be present in optical compositions for use in optical materials and devices.

[0010] One exemplary embodiment of the invention includes novel compounds of formula (I) 2

[0011] The symbols are defined below.

[0012] In another embodiment of this invention, a method of making (Rf)2PA1A2 is provided. This method includes:

[0013] (a) admixing RfI with RMgBr or RLi at a temperature below about −40° C. to produce a first mixture;

[0014] (b) stirring the first mixture for between about 2 to about 6 hours at temperature below about −40° C.;

[0015] (c) admixing POCl3 or PSCl3 to the first mixture at a temperature below about −40° C. to produce a second mixture;

[0016] (d) maintaining the second mixture for about 2 to about 4 hours at a temperature between about −40° C. and about −50° C.;

[0017] (e) warming the second mixture to between about 15° C. to about 30° C.;

[0018] (f) optionally, admixing NaSH to the second mixture and refluxing for about 2 hours to about 6 hours to produce a third mixture;

[0019] (g) admixing water or R3OH to the second mixture or the third mixture; and

[0020] (h) recovering (Rf)2PA1A2.

[0021] In yet another embodiment of this invention, a method of making (Rf)(Rf1)PA1A2 is provided. The method includes:

[0022] (a) admixing RfI with RMgBr or RLi at a temperature below about −40° C. to make a first mixture;

[0023] (b) stirring the first mixture for between about 2 to about 6 hours at temperature below about −40° C.;

[0024] (c) admixing POCl3 or PSCl3 to the first mixture at a temperature below about −40° C. to produce a second mixture;

[0025] (d) maintaining said second mixture for about 2 to about 4 hours at a temperature between about −40° C. and about −50° C.;

[0026] (e) admixing Rf1I with R1MgBr or R1Li in a second container at a temperature below about −40° C. to make a third mixture;

[0027] (f) stirring said third mixture for between about 2 hours and about 6 hours at temperature below about −40° C.;

[0028] (g) admixing the contents of said second container and said first container to make a fourth mixture;

[0029] (h) warming said fourth mixture to between about 15° C. to about 30° C.;

[0030] (i) optionally, admixing NaSH to said fourth mixture and refluxing for about 2 hours to about 6 hours to produce a fifth mixture;

[0031] (j) admixing water or R3OH to said fourth mixture or said fifth mixture; and

[0032] (k) recovering (Rf)(Rf1)PA1A2.

[0033] The symbols used above are defined hereinbelow.

[0034] Objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

[0035] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

[0036] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate non-limiting embodiments of the invention and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0037] FIG. 1 is an experimental setup used to measure the fluorescence lifetimes.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0038] The following definitions are used throughout the application:

[0039] A1 and A3 can be the same or different and are selected from O and S.

[0040] A2 is selected from —OH, —SH, and —OR3.

[0041] Rf, Rf1, and Rf2 can be the same or different, can be branched or unbranched, can be linked to form cyclic or extended structures, and are selected from halogenated alkyl, halogenated aryl, halogenated cyclic alkyl, halogenated arylalkyl, halogenated alkylaryl, halogenated polyether, halogenated thioether, halogenated ether thioether, halogenated aklyl amino groups, halogenated alkylene, halogenated silylene, halogenated siloxanes, halogenated silazanes, halogenated olefins, fluorinated alkyl, fluorinated aryl, fluorinated cyclic alkyl, fluorinated arylalkyl, fluorinated alkylaryl, fluorinated polyether, fluorinated thioether, fluorinated ether thioether, fluorinated aklyl amino groups, fluorinated alkylene, fluorinated silylene, fluorinated siloxanes, fluorinated silazanes, fluorinated olefins, branched perfluorinated C1-20 alkyl, unbranched perfluorinated C1-20 alkyl, perfuorinated C1-6 alkyl C1-10 alkyl ethers, n-C8F17, n-C6F13, n-C4F9, n-C2F5, (CF3)2(CF2)4, n-C10F21, n-C12F25, (CF3)2CF(CF2)6, and (CF3)2CFO(CF2)2.

[0042] R and R1 can be the same or different and are selected from an alkyl, aryl, alkylaryl, arylalkyl, methyl, ethyl, bezyl, and phenyl.

[0043] R3 can be branched or unbranched and is selected from C1-6 alkyl, C1-15 alkyl, C3-15aryl, C4-15 alkylaryl, and C4-15 arylalkyl.

[0044] X is selected from Cl, Br, and I.

[0045] m is an integer selected from one through ten.

[0046] n is an integer greater than or equal to two.

[0047] p is an integer selected from zero through three.

[0048] In one embodiment of the invention, some compounds are represented by formula (I) as follows: 3

[0049] In another embodiment of this invention, if Rf and Rf1 are the same and selected from n-C2F5, n-C4F9, n-C6F13, n-C7F15, and n-C8F17, then A1 is not O.

[0050] In another embodiment of the invention, if Rf and Rf1 are the same and selected from n-C2F5, n-C4F9, n-C6F13, n-C7F15, and n-C8F17, then A2 is not —OH.

[0051] In yet another embodiment, if A1 is O, and if Rf and Rf1 are the same and selected from n-C6F13, n-C7F15, and n-C8F17, then A2 is not —OCH3.

[0052] In still another embodiment of the invention,

[0053] (i) if Rf and Rf1 are the same and selected from n-C2F5, n-C4F9, n-C6F13, n-C7F15, and n-C8F17, then A1 is not O;

[0054] (ii) if Rf and Rf1 are the same and selected from n-C2F5, n-C4F9, n-C6F13, n-C7F15 and n-C8F17, then A2 is not —OH; and

[0055] (iii) if A1 is O, and if Rf and Rf1 are the same and selected from n-C6F13, n-C7F15, and n-C8F17, then A2 is not —OCH3.

[0056] In yet another embodiment, the Rf and Rf1 can be the same or different, can be branched or unbranched, and are selected from perfluorinated C1-20 alkyl, perfuorinated C1-6 alkyl C1-10 alkyl ethers, n-C8F17, n-C6F13, n-C4F9, n-C2F5, (CF3)2CF(CF2)4, n-C10F21, n-C12F25, (CF3)2CF(CF2)6, and (CF3)2CFO(CF2)2.

[0057] In still another embodiment, the compound is selected from (n-C8F17)2POOH, (n-C6F13)2POOH , (n-C4F9)2POOH, (n-C2F5)2POOH, ((CF3)2CF(CF2)4)2POOH, (n-C10F21)2POOH, (n-C12F25)2POOH, ((CF3)2CF(CF2)6)2POOH, ((CF3)2CFO(CF2)2)2POOH, (n-C8F17)(n-C6F13)POOH, (n-C8F17)(n-C4F9)POOH, (n-C8F17)(n-C10F21)POOH, (n-C8F17)2POSH, ((CF3)2CF(CF2)6)2POSH, and (n-C8F17)2POOCH3.

[0058] In yet another embodiment, compositions can include any of the above-listed embodiments having formula (I). These compositions can be used in a variety of optical applications, including optical fiber, amplifiers, lasers, modulators, switches, etc.

[0059] The following synthetic reactions are also illustrative of this invention.

[0060] Synthesis of Grignard reagents:

RfI+RMgX→RfMgX

RfI+RLi→RfLi

[0061] Other similar reagents using Na, K, and Ca can be readily prepared using methods known to those of ordinary skill in the art. These exemplary Grignard and Grignard-like reagents (e.g., those similar reagents using Li, Na, K, and Ca) can be used with any of the processes shown below.

nRfMgI+POCl3→then  1.

+H2O→(Rf)2P(O)OH

nRfMgI+PCl3→then  2.

+H2O then

+H2O2→(Rf)2P(O)OH

[0062] In this 2nd method, PCl3 can be substituted for POCl3 and similar conditions can be used with both compounds. Hydrogen peroxide can be used in this 2nd method to oxidize the phosphorus to its pentavalent state.

nRfMgI+(RO)pP(O)Cl(3-p)→then  3.

+H2O→(Rf)2P(O)OH

[0063] In this 3rd method, (RO)pPOCl(3-p) can be substituted for POCl3 and similar conditions can be used with both compounds.

nRfMgI+(RO)pPCl(3-p)→then  4.

+H2O→then

+H2O2→(Rf)2P(O)OH

[0064] In this 4th method, (RO)pPCl(3-p) can be substituted for POCl3 and similar conditions can be used with both compounds. Hydrogen peroxide can be used in this 4th method to oxidize the phosphorus to its pentavalent state.

RfI+P(OR)3→RfP(O)(OR)2  5.

RfP(O)(OR)2+Cl3SiH→RfP(OR)2

RfP(OR)2+Rf1I→RfRf1P(O)OR

RfRf1P(O)OR+H2O→RfRf1P(O)OH

[0065] This 5th method provides phosphinic acids with different Rf groups.

RfMgI+(OR)2P(O)H→(Rf)2P(O)H  6.

(Rf)2P(O)H+H2O2→(Rf)2P(O)OH

RfMgI+PSCl3→(Rf)2P—S—P(S)(Rf)2  7.

(Rf)2P—S—P(S)(Rf)2+SOCl2→(Rf)2P(O)Cl

(Rf)2P(O)Cl +H2O→(Rf)2P(O)OH

RfP(O)Cl2+Rf1MgBr→RfRf1P(O)Cl  8.

RfRf1P(O)Cl+H2O→RfRf1P(O)OH

[0066] This 8th method provides phosphinic acids with different Rf groups.

RfMgBr+CCl3P(O)(OC2H5)2→(CCl3)(Rf)P(O)OC2H5  9.

(CCl3)(Rf)P(O)OC2H5+H2O→(CCl3)(Rf)P(O)OH

[0067] This 9th derivative contains chlorinated as well as fluorinated phosphinic acid.

(RO)3P+CFRfBr2→(RO)2P—O—CF(Rf)P(O)(OR)2  10.

(RO)2P—O—CF(Rf)P(O)(RO)2+Rf1MgBr→

then +H2O→Rf1P(O)(OH)—CFRf—P(O)(OH)Rf1

[0068] The compounds made in the 10th method have two adjacent phosphinic acids plus two different Rf groups.

(RO)3P+BrCFRfRf1→(RO)2P—O—CFRfRf1  11.

(RO)2P—O—CFRfRf1+Rf2MgBr

Then +H2O →

Rf2P(O)(OH)CFRfRf1

[0069] With this 11th method, one can obtain phosphinic acid derivatives with three distinct Rf groups on the same molecule.

CF3—CFl—O—CF3+LiAlH4, NaBH4 or others→CF3—FC(−1)—O—CF3  12.

then +POCl3

then +H2O→

(CF3CF(OCF3))2P(O)(OH)

[0070] Compounds resulting from the 12th method may be soluble in many perfluoro-oxy solvents.

CF3—CFH—O—CF3+LiAlH4, NaBH4 or others→CF3—FC(−1)—O—CF3  13.

then +POCl3

then +H2O→

(CF3CF(OCF3))2P(O)(OH)

[0071] The compounds resulting from the 13th method may be soluble in many perfluoro-oxy solvents.

[0072] Analogous compounds of the above reactions, where POCl3 has been replaced with PSCl3, have resulted in compounds with the functionality of P(S)SH, P(S)OH, P(S)OR3, or P(O)SH.

[0073] Immediately below is an exemplary embodiment of a synthesis via a Grignard-like reaction using phorphorium oxychloride. 4

[0074] Immediately below is an exemplary embodiment of a synthesis via a Grignard-like reaction using a protective approach. 5

[0075] Immediately below is an exemplary embodiment of a synthesis via a Michaelis-Arbuzov step using trimethyl phosphite. 6

[0076] An Exemplary Method of Making (Rf)2PA1A2

[0077] An illustrative method of making (Rf)2PA1A2 consistent with this invention is provided. The method can include: (a) admixing RfI with RMgBr at a temperature below about −40° C. to make a first mixture. Alternatively, step (a) can use another reagent instead of RMgBr, including RLi, or any other suitable Grignard-like reagent, or any suitable reagent useful for a similar purpose. Step (a) may also be performed at a temperature below about −45° C., or between about −40° C. and about −116° C., or between about −45° C. and about −116° C.

[0078] In step (b), stirring of the first mixture can occur for between about 2 hours to about 6 hours at temperature below about −40° C. In one particular embodiment, the temperature can be between about −40° C. and about −50° C. In other exemplary embodiments of this method, the stirring in step (b) can occur for about 4 hours. In other exemplary embodiments of this method, the stirring in step (b) can occur at about −45° C.

[0079] In step (c), POCl3 or PSCl3 can be admixed to the first mixture a temperature below about −40° C. to produce a second mixture. In other exemplary embodiments of this method, the temperature in step (c) can be below about −45° C., or below about −50° C., or between about −45° C. and about −116° C.

[0080] In step (d), the second mixture can be maintained for about 2 hours to about 4 hours at a temperature between about −40° C. and about −50° C. In one particular embodiment, step (d) can occur for about 3 hours. In other embodiments, step (d) can occur at a temperature at about −45° C.

[0081] In step (e), the second mixture can be warmed to about room temperature. In another embodiment, the mixture can be warmed to a temperature between about 15° C. to about 30° C., or to a temperature between about 20° C. to about 25° C., or to a temperature of about 22.5° C.

[0082] In optional step (f), NaSH can be added to the second mixture and refluxed for about 2 hours to about 6 hours to produce a third mixture. In one particular embodiment, refluxing can occur for about 4 hours.

[0083] In step (g), the second or third mixture can be admixed with a compound selected from water, methanol, ethanol, a branched C3-6 alcohol, an unbranched C3-6 alcohol, a C3-6 aryl alcohol, a branched C3-15 alcohol, an unbranched C3-15 alcohol, a C3-15 aryl alcohol, a C4-15 alkylaryl alcohol, and a C4-15 arylalkyl alcohol. In exemplary embodiments of this method, the admixing in step (g) can take place over a period of time between about 5 minutes and about 2 hours, or between about 5 minutes and about 30 minutes, or between about 5 minutes and about 10 minutes. The admixing can occur slowly enough to reduce heating sufficient to decrease solvent boil-off.

[0084] In step (h), (Rf)2PA1A2 is recovered and purified. In exemplary embodiments of this method, step (h) can be performed by extraction, distillation, boiling, washing, trituration (with hexane, methylene chloride, toluene or any other suitable solvent), filtration, column chromatography, or any other well know suitable methods for purification, isolation, or recovery. In other exemplary embodiments of this method, step (h) can be performed comprising (1) complexation with alcohols (e.g., methanol, ethanol, etc . . . ), (2) purification by solvent extraction, and (3) azeotropic distillation of the complexing alcohol.

[0085] It will be appreciated that steps (a)-(h) need not be performed in the order listed.

[0086] An Exemplary Method of Making (Rf)(Rf1)PA1A2

[0087] In another exemplary embodiment consistent with this invention, a method of making (Rf)(Rf1)PA1A2 is provided. The method can include step (a): admixing RfI with RMgBr in a first container at a temperature below about −40° C. to make a first mixture. In another embodiment, step (a) can use another reagent instead of RMgBr, including RLi or any other suitable Grignard-like reagent, or any suitable reagent useful for a similar purpose. In other exemplary embodiments of this method, step (a) can be performed at a temperature below about −45° C., or between about −40° C. and about −116° C., or between about −45° C. and about −116° C.

[0088] In step (b), stirring of the first mixture occurs for between about 2 hours and about 6 hours at a temperature below about −40° C. In another embodiment, the temperature in step (b) can be between about −40° C. and about −50° C. In another embodiment of this method, the stirring in step (b) can be for about 4 hours. In another embodiment, step (b) can be performed at a temperature at about −45° C.

[0089] In step (c), POCl3 or PSCl3 can be admixed to the first mixture in the first container at a temperature below about −40° C. to produce a second mixture. In another embodiment, the stirring in step (c) can be performed at a temperature below about −45° C. or between about −45° C. and about −116° C., or between about −50° C. and about −116° C.

[0090] In step (d), the second mixture can be maintained for between about 2 hours and about 4 hours at a temperature between about −40° C. and about −50° C. In another embodiment, step (d) can be performed for about 3 hours. In another embodiment, step (d) can be performed at a temperature of about −45° C.

[0091] Step (e) occurs in a second container. In step (e), Rf2I with R1MgBr can be admixed at a temperature below about −40° C. to make a third mixture. In another embodiment, step (e) can use another reagent instead of RMgBr, including RLi or any other suitable Grignard-like reagent, or any suitable reagent useful for a similar purpose. Step (e) can also be performed at a temperature below about −45° C., or between about −40° C. and about −116° C., or between about −45° C. and about −116° C.

[0092] In step (f), stirring of the third mixture can occur for between about 2 hours and about 6 hours at a temperature below about −40° C. Alternatively, the temperature in step (f) can be held between about −40° C. and about −50° C. In one other embodiment, the stirring in step (f) can occur for about 4 hours. The stirring in step (f) can be at about −45° C.

[0093] In step (g), the contents of the second container can be admixed with the contents of the first container to make a fourth mixture.

[0094] In step (h), the fourth mixture can be warmed to about room temperature. Alternatively, the warming in step (h) can be a temperature between about 15° C. and about 30° C., or between about 20° C. and about 25° C., or at about 22.5° C.

[0095] In step (i), NaSH can be added to the fourth mixture, if desired, and can be refluxed for about 2 hours to about 6 hours to make a fifth mixture. Refluxing in step (i) can occur for about 4 hours.

[0096] In step (j) there can be admixing to the fourth mixture or the fifth mixture of a compound selected from water, methanol, ethanol, a branched C3-6 alcohol, an unbranched C3-6 alcohol, a C3-6 aryl alcohol, a branched C3-15 alcohol, an unbranched C3-15 alcohol, a C3-15 aryl alcohol, a C4-15 alkylaryl alcohol, and a C4-15 arylalkyl alcohol. Admixing in step (j) can take place over about 5 minutes to about 2 hours, or about 5 minutes to about 30 minutes, or about 5 minutes to about 10 minutes. In one embodiment, the admixing in step (j) can occur slowly enough to reduce heating sufficient to decrease solvent boil-off.

[0097] In step (k), (Rf)(Rf1)PA1A2 can be recovered and purified. In another embodiment, step (k) can be performed by distillation, boiling, washing, trituration (with hexane, methylene chloride, toluene or any other suitable solvent), filtration, or any other well know suitable method for purification, isolation, or recovery.

[0098] It will be appreciated that steps (a)-(k) need not be performed in the order listed.

[0099] Optical materials and devices that use these materials can be made with these compounds. Examples of optical devices include optical films, optical fibers, and optical waveguides. These devices can be produced by methods found in copending Mohajer et al. U.S. application Ser. No. 10/______, “Optical Gain Media and Methods for Making and Using the Same”, filed Aug. 26, 2002, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

EXAMPLES

[0100] 7

Example 1

Bis(n-perfluorooctyl)phosphinic acid; (n-C8F17)2POOH

[0101] n-C8F17I (205.0 g, 0.375 mol) was dissolved in 1000 ml of dry ethyl ether to form a solution. The solution was cooled to −60 to −70° C. in a dry ice/acetone bath. PhMgBr (3M in diethyl ether, 125 ml, 0.375 mol) was added so that the temperature remained below −45° C. The mixture was stirred for four hours at −45° C. POCl3 (12.6 ml, 0.136 mol) was added so that the temperature remained below −45° C. The mixture was maintained at −40 to −50° C. for 3 hours and then allowed to warm to room temperature overnight. Water (100 ml) was added over 5-10 minutes and the solution stirred for one hour. The ether layer was separated and dried with magnesium sulfate. The ether was filtered and concentrated on a rotary evaporator to yield a semi-solid product. The product was triturated three times with hexane, three times with methylene chloride, and dried on high vacuum to yield a solid product. The solid was suspended in a flask with 700 ml of toluene and the flask was fitted with a Dean-Stark trap. The toluene was refluxed and about 100 ml of toluene was removed via the Dean-Stark trap. The toluene in the Dean-Stark trap was clear when the water was essentially removed. The suspension was cooled and the product filtered and dried on high vacuum to yield 109.8 g (89.5%) of bis(n-perfluorooctyl)phosphinic acid, melting point (hereinafter, “mp”) 203-205° C.

Example 2

Bis(n-perfluorohexyl)phosphinic acid; (n-C6F13)2POOH

[0102] n-C6F13I (111.5 g, 0.25 mol) was dissolved in 600 ml of dry ethyl ether to form a solution. The solution was cooled to −60 to −70° C. in a dry ice/acetone bath. PhMgBr (3M in diethyl ether, 82.5 ml, 0.25 mol) was added so that the temperature remained below −45° C. The mixture was stirred for four hours at −45° C. POCl3 (7.7 ml, 0.083 mol) was added so that the temperature remained below −45° C. The mixture was maintained at −40 to −50° C. for 3 hours and then allowed to warm to room temperature overnight. Water (150 ml) was added over 5 to 10 minutes and the solution stirred for one hour. The ether layer was separated and dried with magnesium sulfate. The ether was filtered and concentrated on a rotary evaporator to yield a semi-solid product. The product was triturated three times with hexane, three times with methylene chloride, and dried on high vacuum to yield a solid product. The solid was suspended in a flask with 400 ml of toluene and the flask was fitted with a Dean-Stark trap. The toluene was refluxed and about 100 ml of toluene was removed via the Dean-Stark trap. The toluene in the Dean-Stark trap was clear when water was essentially removed. The suspension was cooled and the product filtered and dried on high vacuum to yield 44.5 g (76.3%) of bis(n-perfluorohexyl)phosphinic acid, mp 155-158° C.

Example 3

Bis(n-perfluorobutyl)phosphinic acid; (n-C4F9)2POOH

[0103] n-C4F9I (173.0 g, 0.50 mol) was dissolved in 900 ml of dry ethyl ether to form a solution. The solution was cooled to −60 to −70° C. in a dry ice/acetone bath.

[0104] PhMgBr (3M in diethyl ether, 158 ml, 0.48 mol) was added so that the temperature remained below −45° C. The mixture was stirred for four hours at −45° C. POCl3 (15.5 ml, 0.167 mol) was added so that the temperature remained below −45° C. The mixture was maintained at −40 to −50° C. for 3 hours and then allowed to warm to room temperature overnight. Water (250 ml) was added over 5 to 10 minutes and the solution stirred for one hour. The ether layer was separated and dried with magnesium sulfate. The ether was filtered and concentrated on a rotary evaporator to yield a oil. The product was triturated three times with hexane, three times with methylene chloride and dried on high vacuum to yield a oil. The oil was suspended in a flask with 400 ml of toluene and the flask was fitted with a Dean-Stark trap. The toluene was refluxed and about 100 ml of toluene was removed via the Dean-Stark trap. The toluene in the Dean-Stark trap was clear when water was essentially removed. The suspension was cooled and the toluene removed by decantation and the oil dried on high vacuum to yield 47.4 g (47%) of bis(n-perfluorobutyl)phosphinic acid.

Example 4

Bis(perfluoroethyl)phosphinic acid; (C2F5)2POOH

[0105] C2F5I (24.6 g, 0.10 mol) was dissolved in 500 ml of dry ethyl ether to form a solution. The solution was cooled to −60 to −70° C. in a dry ice/acetone bath. PhMgBr (3M in diethyl ether, 32 ml, 0.11 mol) was added so that the temperature remained below −45° C. The mixture was stirred for four hours at −45° C. POCl3 (3.7 ml, 0.04 mol) was added so that the temperature remained below −45° C. The mixture was maintained at −40 to −50° C. for 3 hours and then allowed to warm to room temperature overnight. Water (50 ml) was added over 5 to 10 minutes and the solution stirred for one hour. The ether layer was separated and dried with magnesium sulfate. The ether was filtered and concentrated on a rotary evaporator to yield a oil. The product was triturated three times with hexane, three times with methylene chloride and dried on high vacuum to yield a oil. The oil was suspended in a flask with 400 ml of toluene and the flask was fitted with a Dean-Stark trap. The toluene was refluxed and about 100 ml of toluene was removed via the Dean-Stark trap. The toluene in the Dean-Stark trap was clear when the water was essentially removed. The suspension was cooled and the toluene removed by decantation and the oil dried on high vacuum to yield 4.7 g (39%) of bis(perfluoroethyl)phosphinic acid.

Example 5

Bis(perfluoro-5-methylhexyl)phosphinic acid; ((CF3)2CF(CF2)4)2POOH

[0106] (CF3)2CF(CF)4I (148.8 g, 0.30 mol) was dissolved in 1100 ml of dry ethyl ether to form a solution. The solution was cooled to −60 to −70° C. in a dry ice/acetone bath. PhMgBr (3M in diethyl ether, 96 ml, 0.32 mol) was added so that the temperature remained below −45° C. The mixture was stirred for four hours at −45° C. POCl3 (11.1 ml, 0.12 mol) was added so that the temperature remained below −45° C. The mixture was maintained at −40 to −50° C. for 3 hours and then allowed to warm to room temperature overnight. Water (100 ml) was added over 5 to 10 minutes and the solution stirred for one hour. The ether layer was separated and dried with magnesium sulfate. The ether was filtered and concentrated on a rotary evaporator to yield a oily product. The product was triturated three times with hexane, three times with methylene chloride and dried on high vacuum into yield a oily product. The oil was suspended in a flask with 400 ml of toluene and the flask was fitted with a Dean-Stark trap. The toluene was refluxed and about 100 ml of toluene was removed via the Dean-Stark trap. The toluene in the Dean-Stark trap was clear when the water was essentially removed. The suspension was cooled and the product filtered and dried on high vacuum to yield 76.8 g (79.8%) of bis(perfluoro-5-methylhexyl)phosphinic acid, mp 91-94° C.

Example 6

Bis(n-perfluorodecyl)phosphinic acid; (n-C10F21)2POOH

[0107] n-C10F21I (25.0 g, 0.0387 mol) was dissolved in 350 ml of dry ethyl ether to form a solution. The solution was cooled to −60 to −70° C. in a dry ice/acetone bath. PhMgBr (3M in diethyl ether, 13 ml, 0.039 mol) was added so that the temperature remained below −45° C. The mixture was stirred for four hours at −45° C. POCl3 (1.5 ml, 0.016 mol) was added so that the temperature remained below −45° C. The mixture was maintained at −40 to −50° C. for 3 hours and then allowed to warm to room temperature overnight. Water (50 ml) was added over 5 to 10 minutes and the solution stirred for one hour. The ether layer was separated and dried with magnesium sulfate. The ether was filtered and concentrated on a rotary evaporator to yield a semi solid product. The product was triturated three times with hexane, three times with methylene chloride and dried on high vacuum to yield a solid product. The solid was suspended in a flask with 250 ml of toluene and the flask was fitted with a Dean-Stark trap. The toluene was refluxed and about 100 ml of toluene was removed via the Dean-Stark trap. The toluene in the Dean-Stark trap was clear when the water was essentially removed. The suspension was cooled and the product filtered and dried on high vacuum to yield 3.9 g (23%) of bis(n-perfluorodecyl)phosphinic acid, mp 210-220° C.

Example 7

Bis(n-perfluorododecyl)phosphinic acid; (n-C12F25)2POOH

[0108] n-C12F25I (13.0 g, 0.0174 mol) was dissolved in 300 ml of dry ethyl ether to form a solution. The solution was cooled to −60 to −70° C. in a dry ice/acetone bath. PhMgBr (3M in diethyl ether, 5.3 ml, 0.016 mol) was added so that the temperature remained below −45° C. The mixture was stirred for four hours at −45° C. POCl3 (0.6 ml, 0.0064 mol) was added so that the temperature remained below −45° C. The mixture was maintained at −40 to −50° C. for 3 hours and then allowed to warm to room temperature overnight. Water (50 ml) was added over 5 to 10 minutes and the solution stirred for one hour. The ether layer was separated and dried with magnesium sulfate. The ether was filtered and concentrated on a rotary evaporator to yield a semi solid product. The product was triturated three times with hexane, three times with methylene chloride and dried on high vacuum to yield a solid product. The solid was suspended in a flask with 100 ml of toluene and the flask was fitted with a Dean-Stark trap. The toluene was refluxed and about 20 ml of toluene was removed via the Dean-Stark trap. The toluene in the Dean-Stark trap was clear when the water was essentially removed. The suspension was cooled and the product filtered and dried on high vacuum to yield 1.5 g of bis(n-perfluorododecyl)phosphinic acid, mp 165° C.

Example 8

Bis(perfluoro-7-methyloctyl)phosphinic acid; ((CF3)2CF(CF2)6)2POOH

[0109] (CF3)2CF(CF)6I (178.8 g, 0.30 mol) was dissolved in 1100 ml of dry ethyl ether to form a solution. The solution was to −60 to −70° C. in a dry ice/acetone bath. PhMgBr (3M in diethyl ether, 96 ml, 0.32 mol) was added so that the temperature remained below −45° C. The mixture was stirred for four hours at −45° C. POCl3 (11.1 ml, 0.12 mol) was added so that the temperature remained below −45° C. The mixture was maintained at −40 to −50° C. for 3 hours and then allowed to warm to room temperature overnight. Water (100 ml) was added over 5 to 10 minutes and the solution stirred for one hour. The ether layer was separated and dried with magnesium sulfate. The ether was filtered and concentrated on a rotary evaporator to yield an oily product. The product was triturated three times with hexane, three times with methylene chloride and dried on high vacuum to yield a oily product. The oil was suspended in a flask with 500 ml of toluene and the flask was fitted with a Dean-Stark trap. The toluene was refluxed and about 100 ml of toluene was removed via the Dean-Stark trap. The toluene in the Dean-Stark trap was clear when water was essentially removed. The suspension was cooled and the product filtered and dried on high vacuum to yield 99.3 g (82.7%) of bis(perfluoro-7-methyloctyl)phosphinic acid, mp 170-172° C.

Example 9

Bis(2-tetrafluoroethyl heptafluoroisopropyl ether)phosphinic acid; ((CF3)2CFOCF2CF2)2POOH

[0110] (CF3)2CFOCF2CF2I (30.4 g, 0.0717 mol) was dissolved in 350 ml of dry ethyl ether to form a solution. The solution was cooled to −60 to −70° C. in a dry ice/acetone bath. PhMgBr (3M in diethyl ether, 20.8 ml, 0.063 mol) was added so that the temperature remained below −45° C. The mixture was stirred for four hours at −45° C. POCl3 (2.7 ml, 0.0287 mol) was added so that the temperature remained below −45° C. The mixture was maintained at −40 to −50° C. for 3 hours and then allowed to warm to room temperature overnight. Water (50 ml) was added over 5 to 10 minutes and the solution stirred for one hour. The ether layer was separated and dried with magnesium sulfate. The ether was filtered and concentrated on a rotary evaporator to yield a oily product. The product was triturated three times with hexane, three times with methylene chloride and dried on high vacuum to yield an oily product. The oil was suspended in a flask with 150 ml of toluene and the flask was fitted with a Dean-Stark trap. The toluene was refluxed and about 50 ml of toluene was removed via the Dean-Stark trap. The toluene in the Dean-Stark trap was clear when the water was essentially removed. The suspension was cooled and the product filtered and dried on high vacuum to yield 16.2 g (91.5%) of bis(2-tetrafluoroethyl heptafluoroisopropyl ether)phosphinic acid. 8

Example 10

(N-perfluorooctyl)(n-perfluorohexyl)phosphinic acid; (n-C8F17)(n-C6F13)POOH

[0111] n-C8F17I (54.6 g, 0.10 mol) was dissolved in 300 ml of dry ethyl ether to form a solution. The solution was cooled to −60 to −70° C. in a dry ice/acetone bath. PhMgBr (3M in diethyl ether, 33 ml, 0.10 mol) was added so that the temperature remained below −45° C. The mixture was stirred for four hours at −45° C. POCl3 (9.3 ml, 0.10 mol) was added so that the temperature remained below −45° C. The mixture was maintained at −40 to −50° C. for 3 hours. In a separate flask, n-C6F13I (44.6 g, 0.10 mol) was dissolved in 300 ml of dry ethyl ether and the solution cooled to −60 to −70° C. in a dry ice/acetone bath. PhMgBr (3M in diethyl ether, 33 ml, 0.10 mol) was added so that the temperature remained below −45° C. The mixture was stirred for four hours at −45° C. This solution was added to the first flask and the reaction allowed to warm to room temperature overnight. Water (100 ml) was added over 5 to 10 minutes and the solution stirred for one hour. The ether layer was separated and dried with magnesium sulfate. The ether was filtered and concentrated on a rotary evaporator to yield a semi solid product. The product was triturated three times with hexane, three times with methylene chloride and dried on high vacuum to yield a solid product. The solid was suspended in a flask with 500 ml of toluene and the flask was fitted with a Dean-Stark trap. The toluene was refluxed and about 100 ml of toluene was removed via the Dean-Stark trap. The toluene in the Dean-Stark trap was clear when the water was essentially removed. The suspension was cooled and the product filtered and dried on high vacuum to yield 43.8 g (54.6%) of (n-perfluorooctyl)(n-perfluorohexyl)phosphinic acid, mp 165-169° C.

Example 11

(N-perfluorooctyl)(n-perfluorobutyl)phosphinic acid; (n-C8F17)(n-C4F9)POOH

[0112] n-C8F17I (54.6 g, 0.10 mol) was dissolved in 300 ml of dry ethyl ether to form a solution. The solution was cooled to −60 to −70° C. in a dry ice/acetone bath. PhMgBr (3M in diethyl ether, 33 ml, 0.10 mol) was added so that the temperature remained below −45° C. The mixture was stirred for four hours at −45° C. POCl3 (9.3 ml, 0.10 mol) was added so that the temperature remained below −45° C. The mixture was maintained at −40 to −50° C. for 3 hours. In a separate flask, n-C4F9I (34.6 g, 0.10 mol) was dissolved in 300 ml of dry ethyl ether and the solution cooled to −60 to −70° C. in a dry ice/acetone bath. PhMgBr (3M in diethyl ether, 33 ml, 0.10 mol) was added so that the temperature remained below −45° C. The mixture was stirred for four hours at −45° C. This solution was added to the first flask and the reaction allowed to warm to room temperature overnight. Water (100 ml) was added over 5 to 10 minutes and the solution stirred for one hour. The ether layer was separated and dried with magnesium sulfate. The ether was filtered and concentrated on a rotary evaporator to yield a semi solid product. The product was triturated three times with hexane, three times with methylene chloride and dried on high vacuum to yield a solid product. The solid was suspended in a flask with 500 ml of toluene and the flask was fitted with a Dean-Stark trap. The toluene was refluxed and about 100 ml of toluene was removed via the Dean-Stark trap. The toluene in the Dean-Stark trap was clear when the water was essentially removed. The suspension was cooled and the product filtered and dried on high vacuum to yield 20.7 g (29.5%) of (n-perfluorooctyl)(n-perfluorobutyl)phosphinic acid, mp 165-177° C.

Example 12

(N-perfluorooctyl)(n-perfluorodecyl)phosphinic acid; (n-C8F17)(n-C10F21)POOH

[0113] n-C8F17I (10.9 g, 0.02 mol) was dissolved in 250 ml of dry ethyl ether to form a solution. The solution was cooled to −60 to −70° C. in a dry ice/acetone bath. PhMgBr (3M in diethyl ether, 6.7 ml, 0.02 mol) was added so that the temperature remained below −45° C. The mixture was stirred for four hours at −45° C. POCl3 (1.85 ml, 0.02 mol) was added so that the temperature remained below −45° C. The mixture was maintained at −40 to −50° C. for 3 hours. In a separate flask, n-C10F21I (12.9 g, 0.02 mol) was dissolved in 300 ml of dry ethyl ether and the solution cooled to −60 to −70° C. in a dry ice/acetone bath. PhMgBr (3M in diethyl ether, 6.7 ml, 0.02 mol) was added so that the temperature remained below −45° C. The mixture was stirred for four hours at −45° C. This solution was added to the first flask and the reaction allowed to warm to room temperature overnight. Water (100 ml) was added over 5 to 10 minutes and the solution stirred for one hour. The ether layer was separated and dried with magnesium sulfate. The ether was filtered and concentrated on a rotary evaporator to yield a semi solid product. The product was triturated three times with hexane, three times with methylene chloride and dried on high vacuum to yield a solid product. The solid was suspended in a flask with 500 ml of toluene and the flask was fitted with a Dean-Stark trap. The toluene was refluxed and about 100 ml of toluene was removed via the Dean-Stark trap. The toluene in the Dean-Stark trap was clear when the water was essentially removed. The suspension was cooled and the product filtered and dried on high vacuum to yield 14.7 g (73.5%) of (n-perfluorooctyl)(n-perfluorodecyl)phosphinic acid, mp 194-199° C. 9

Example 13

Bis(n-perfluorooctyl)thiophosphinic acid; (n-C8F17)2POSH

[0114] n-C8F17I (27.3 g, 0.05 mol) was dissolved in 1000 ml of dry ethyl ether to form a solution. The solution was cooled to −60 to −70° C. in a dry ice/acetone bath. PhMgBr (3M in diethyl ether, 14.5 ml, 0.05 mol) was added so that the temperature remained below −45° C. The mixture was stirred for four hours at −45° C. POCl3 (2.33 ml, 0.025 mol) was added so that the temperature remained below −45° C. The mixture was maintained at −40 to −50° C. for 3 hours and then allowed to warm to room temperature overnight. Sodium hydrosulfide (68%, 4.2 g , 0.05 mol) was added in one portion and the reaction refluxed for 4 hours. Water (150 ml) was added over 5 to 10 minutes and the solution stirred for one hour. The ether layer was separated and dried with magnesium sulfate. The ether was filtered and concentrated on a rotary evaporator to yield a pink solid product. The product was triturated three times with hexane, three times with methylene chloride and dried on high vacuum to yield a solid product. The solid was suspended in a flask with 200 ml of toluene and the flask was fitted with a Dean-Stark trap. The toluene was refluxed and about 50 ml of toluene was removed via the Dean-Stark trap. The toluene in the Dean-Stark trap was clear when the water was essentially removed. The suspension was cooled and the product filtered and dried on high vacuum to yield 11.5 g (50.2%) of bis(n-perfluorooctyl)thiophosphinic acid, mp 255-260° C.

Example 14

Bis(perfluoro-7-methyloctyl)thiophosphinic acid; ((CF3)2CF(CF2)6)2POSH

[0115] (CF3)2CF(CF)6I (89.4 g, 0.15 mol) was dissolved in 1000 ml of dry ethyl ether to form a solution. The solution was cooled to −60 to −70° C. in a dry ice/acetone bath. PhMgBr (3M in diethyl ether, 48 ml, 0.16 mol) was added so that the temperature remained below −45° C. The mixture was stirred for four hours at −45° C. POCl3 (5.6 ml, 0.06 mol) was added so that the temperature remained below −45° C. The mixture was maintained at −40 to −50° C. for 3 hours and then allowed to warm to room temperature overnight. Sodium hydrosulfide (68%, 15 g ) was added in one portion and the reaction refluxed for 4 hours. Water (200 ml) was added over 5 to 10 minutes and the solution stirred for one hour. The ether layer was separated and dried with magnesium sulfate. The ether was filtered and concentrated on a rotary evaporator to yield a pink solid product. The product was triturated three times with hexane, three times with methylene chloride and dried on high vacuum to yield a solid product. The solid was suspended in a flask with 500 ml of toluene and the flask was fitted with a Dean-Stark trap. The toluene was refluxed and about 100 ml of toluene was removed via the Dean-Stark trap. The toluene in the Dean-Stark trap was clear when the water was essentially removed. The suspension was cooled and the product filtered and dried on high vacuum to yield 49.2 g of bis(perfluoro-7-methyloctyl)thiophosphinic acid, mp>300° C.

Example 15

Bis(n-perfluorooctyl)phosphinic acid methyl ester; (n-C8F17)2POOCH3

[0116] n-C8F17I (54.6 g, 0.10 mol) was dissolved in 300 ml of dry ethyl ether to form a solution. The solution was cooled to −60° C. to −70° C. in a dry ice/acetone bath. PhMgBr (3M in diethyl ether, 34 ml, 0.10 mol) was added so that the temperature remained below −45° C. The mixture was stirred for four hours at −45° C. POCl3 (5.1 ml, 0.055 mol) was added so that the temperature remained below −45° C. The mixture was maintained at −40° C. to −5° C. for 3 hours and then allowed to warm to room temperature overnight. Absolute methanol (25 ml) was added in one portion and the reaction refluxed for 1 hour. The reaction was cooled to room temperature. Water (50 ml) was added over 5 to 10 minutes and the solution stirred for one hour. The ether layer was separated and dried with magnesium sulfate. The ether was filtered and concentrated on a rotary evaporator to yield a yellow oil. The product was triturated three times with hexane, three times with methylene chloride and dried on high vacuum to yield a solid product. The solid was suspended in a flask with 500 ml of toluene and the flask was fitted with a Dean-Stark trap. The toluene was refluxed and about 100 ml of toluene was removed via the Dean-Stark trap. The toluene in the Dean-Stark trap was clear when the water was essentially removed. The suspension was cooled and the product filtered and dried on high vacuum to yield 38.0 g (75.4%) of bis(n-perfluorooctyl)phosphinic acid methyl ester, mp 199-202° C. 10

[0117] The dithioperfluoroalkylphosphinic acids can be synthesized as outlined in Scheme 4. The experimental procedures are similar to those outlined in the examples. 11

[0118] Bisphosphinic acids can be synthesized as outlined in Scheme 5. The experimental procedures are similar to the other examples.

TABLE 1
31P NMR of some Exemplary Examples
				Relative Intensity
		Siganl 1a	Signal 2a	Signal 1/Signal 2	Other Signals
Example	Compound	(ppm)	(ppm)	(Molar %)	ppm (Molar %)
1	(n-C8F17)2POOH	2.4 p	−1.2	98.9% / 0.7%	6.9 (0.4%)
2	(n-C6F13)2POOH	2.4 p	−1.2	97.2% / 0.7%	6.9 (2.1%)
3	(n-C4F9)2POOH	2.3 p	−1.2 t	84.4% / tracec	6.0, 18.8, 27.2 (trace)c
4	(n-C2F5)2POOH	4.9 p	2.0 t	85.0% / 7.4%	0.7, 21.2, 29.5 (7.6%)
5	((CF3)2CF(CF2)4)2P00H	2.7 p	none	100%	none
6	(n-C10F21)2POOH	2.6 p	−1.2 t	96.6% / 3.4%	none
7	(n-C12F25)2POOH	b	b	b	b
8	((CF3)2CF(CF2)6)2POOH	2.5 p	−1.2 t	97.1% / 0.7%	18.9, 27.3, 33.8 (2.2%)
9	((CF3)2CFO(CF2)2)2POOH	1.1 p	−1.3 t	94.0% / 3.9%	none
10	(n-C8F17)(n-C6F13)POOH	2.4 p	−1.3 t	89.9% / 0%	6 others (tracec)
11	(n-C8F17)(n-C4F9)POOH	4.5 p	0.7 t	95.2% / 3.1%	21.6 (1.7%)
12	(n-C8F17(n-C10F21)POOH	2.7 p	−1.3 t	73.4% / 26.6%	1.1 (tracec)
13	(n-C8F17)2POSH	2.2 p	none	69.7% / 0%	−3.0 (26.3%), 12.2 (4.0%)
15	(n-C8F17)2POOCH3	2.5 p	−1.2 t	94.5% / 5.2%	18.9 (0.3%)
ap indicates a pentet and t indicates a triplet. These are centered around the indicated chemical shift.
bSince this sample was only partially soluble (in D-acetone), elucidation of these signals was not achieved.
cNot quantifiable since either too many signals or integration was not accurate.

Example 16

Fluorescence Lifetime Measurements

[0119] The fluorescence lifetime measurements can be performed using any suitable fluorescence spectrometer using any suitable technique. The measurements reported here were performed using the experimental set-up shown in FIG. 1. The 980 nm diode laser (310) was modulated by function generator WaveTek Model 275 (300) to give a square wave pulse of amplitude 0.5 V and frequency of 10 Hz. The pump beam was expanded before the sample (320), and the fluorescence signal generated was first expanded and then collimated using lenses (320) onto the semiconductor photo-detector (350). A 1550 nm narrow band filter (340) was used in front of the photo-detector to block the pump light. The signal from the photo-detector was amplified with a Model 101C Transimpedance amplifier (360), and the amplified signal was collected by a Tektronix TDS 3032 digital oscilliscope (370) upon being triggered by the trigger signal from the function generator. The metastable state lifetime (τ) was determined by fitting the averaged fluorescence signal (I(t)) to a single exponential decay, I(t)=α+β*exp(−t/τ), where α and β are constant.

[0120] A comparison of lifetimes of various Er/Yb complexes is shown in Table 2.

Example 17

31 P NMR Experiments

[0121] The NMR experiments can be performed using any suitable probe, magnetic field and NMR instrument. NMR experiments were recorded at 30° C. on a Bruker DRX 500-MHz spectrometer equipped with a Broadband Observe (BBO), z-axis gradient probe. One dimension 1H NMR experiments were collected with a 7.5 kHz spectral width and 32 k complex data points. One dimension 31P NMR experiments were collected with a 40 kHz spectral width and 32 k complex data points. One dimension 19F NMR experiments were collected with a 100 kHz spectral width and 128 k complex data points. All NMR data were processed using XWIN NMR program (Bruker).

[0122] 31 P NMR data for some of the examples are reported in Table 1.

TABLE 2
Comparison of Lifetimes For Complexes Formed From
This Invention Vs Those Formed From Phosphinic
Acid Via Phosphorous Route
Er	Yb
Stoichiometry	Stoichiometry	Lifetime (ms)
1a	10a	4.55a
1	10	6.3
1	10	4.9
1	2.7	4.9
1	11	7.1
The phosphinic acid used in this table is (n-C8F17)2POOH. Data in the second through fifth rows are from the present invention.
a Data from phosphorus route (Singh and Shreeve, Inorg. Chem. (2000) vol. 39, pages 1787-1789).

[0123] Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the following claims.

Claims

1. A compound of formula (I)

2. The compound of claim 1 wherein Rf and Rf1 can be the same or different, can be branched or unbranched, can be linked to form cyclic or extended structures, and are selected from fluorinated alkyl, fluorinated aryl, fluorinated cyclic alkyl, fluorinated arylalkyl, fluorinated alkylaryl, fluorinated polyether, fluorinated thioether, fluorinated ether thioether, fluorinated aklyl amino groups, fluorinated alkylene, fluorinated silylene, fluorinated siloxanes, fluorinated silazanes, fluorinated olefins, perfluorinated C1-20 alkyl, perfuorinated C1-6 alkyl C1-10 alkyl ethers, n-C8F17, n-C6F13, n-C4F9, n-C2F5, (CF3)2CF(CF2)4, n-C10F21, n-C12F25, (CF3)2CF(CF2)6, and (CF3)2CFO(CF2)2.

3. The compound of claim 1 wherein Rf and Rf1 can be the same or different, can be branched or unbranched and are selected from fluorinated alkyl, fluorinated polyether, perfluorinated C1-20 alkyl, perfuorinated C1-6 alkyl C1-10 alkyl ethers, n-C8F17, n-C6F13, n-C4F9, n-C2F5, (CF3)2CF(CF2)4, n-C10F21, n-C12F25, (CF3)2CF(CF2)6, and (CF3)2CFO(CF2)2.

4. The compound of claim 1 wherein R3 can be branched or unbranched and is selected from a C1-6 alkyl.

5. The compound of claim 1 wherein formula (I) is a compound selected from (n-C8F17)2POOH, (n-C6F13)2POOH, (n-C4F9 )2POOH, (n-C2F5)2POOH, ((CF3)2CF(CF2)4)2POOH, (n-C10F21)2POOH, (n-C12F25)2POOH, ((CF3)2CF(CF2)6)2POOH, ((CF3)2CFO(CF2)2)2POOH, (n-C8F17)(n-C6F13)POOH, (n-C8F17)(n-C4F9)POOH, (n-C8F17)(n-C10F21)POOH, (n-C8F17)2POSH, ((CF3)2CF(CF2)6)2POSH, and (n-C8F17)2POOCH3.

6. A composition comprising at least one compound of claim 1.

7. An optical composition comprising at least one compound of claim 1.

8. A method of making (Rf)2PA1A2 comprising: (a) admixing RfI with RMgBr or RLi at a temperature below about −40° C. to produce a first mixture; (b) stirring the first mixture for between about 2 to about 6 hours at temperature below about −40° C.; (c) admixing POCl3 or PSCl3 to the first mixture at a temperature below about −40° C. to produce a second mixture; (d) maintaining the second mixture for about 2 to about 4 hours at a temperature between about −40° C. and about −50° C.; (e) warming the second mixture to between about 15° C. to about 30° C.; (f) optionally, admixing NaSH to the second mixture and refluxing for about 2 hours to about 6 hours to produce a third mixture; (g) admixing water or R3OH to the second mixture or the third mixture; and (h) recovering (Rf)2PA1A2; wherein, A1 is selected from O and S; A2 is selected from —OH, —SH and —OR3; Rf can be branched or unbranched, can be linked to form cyclic or extended structures, and is selected from halogenated alkyl, halogenated aryl, halogenated cyclic alkyl, halogenated arylalkyl, halogenated alkylaryl, halogenated polyether, halogenated thioether, halogenated ether thioether, halogenated aklyl amino groups, halogenated alkylene, halogenated silylene, halogenated siloxanes, halogenated silazanes, halogenated olefins, perfluorinated C1-20 alkyl, perfuorinated C1-6 alkyl C1-10 alkyl ethers, n-C8F17, n-C6F13, n-C4F9, n-C2F5, (CF3)2CF(CF2)4, n-C10F21, n-C12F25, (CF3)2CF(CF2)6, and (CF3)2CFO(CF2)2; R3 can be branched or unbranched and is selected from C1-15 alkyl, C3-15 aryl, C4-15 alkylaryl and C4-15 arylalkyl; and R can be branched or unbranched, and is selected from an alkyl, aryl, alkylaryl, arylalkyl, methyl, ethyl, benzyl and phenyl.

9. The method of claim 8 wherein Rf can be branched or unbranched, can be linked to form cyclic or extended structures, and is selected from fluorinated alkyl, fluorinated aryl, fluorinated cyclic alkyl, fluorinated arylalkyl, fluorinated alkylaryl, fluorinated polyether, fluorinated thioether, fluorinated ether thioether, fluorinated aklyl amino groups, fluorinated alkylene, fluorinated silylene, fluorinated siloxanes, fluorinated silazanes, fluorinated olefins, perfluorinated C1-20 alkyl, perfuorinated C1-6 alkyl C1-10 alkyl ethers, n-C8F17, n-C6F13, n-C4F9, n-C2F5, (CF3)2CF(CF2)4, n-C10F21, n-C12F25, (CF3)2CF(CF2)6, and (CF3)2CFO(CF2)2.

10. The method of claim 8 wherein Rf can be branched or unbranched and is selected from fluorinated alkyl, fluorinated polyether, perfluorinated C1-20 alkyl, perfuorinated C1-6 alkyl C1-10 alkyl ethers, n-C8F17, n-C6F13, n-C4F9, n-C2F5, (CF3)2CF(CF2)4, n-C10F21, n-C12F25, (CF3)2CF(CF2)6, and (CF3)2CFO(CF2)2.

11. The method of claim 8 wherein R3 can be branched or unbranched and is C1-6 alkyl.

12. The method of claim 8 wherein the compound made is selected from (n-C8F17)2POOH, (n-C6F13)2POOH, (n-C4F9 )2POOH, (n-C2F5)2POOH, ((CF3)2CF(CF2)4)2POOH, (n-C10F21)2POOH, (n-C12F25)2POOH, ((CF3)2CF(CF2)6)2POOH, ((CF3)2CFO(CF2)2)2POOH, (n-C8F17)2POSH, ((CF3)2CF(CF2)6)2POSH, and (n-C8F17)2POOCH3.

13. The method of claim 8 whereby in step (b) said stirring is for about 4 hours.

14. The method of claim 8 whereby in step (b) said stirring is at a temperature between about −40° C. and about −50° C.

15. The method of claim 8 whereby in step (b) said stirring is at a temperature of about −45° C.

16. The method of claim 8 whereby in step (c) POCl3 is admixed to the first mixture.

17. The method of claim 8 whereby in step (c) said admixing is at a temperature below about −45° C.

18. The method of claim 8 whereby in step (d) said maintaining is for about 3 hours.

19. The method of claim 8 whereby in step (e) said warming is to between about 20° C. to about 25° C.

20. The method of claim 8 whereby in step (e) said warming is to about room temperature.

21. The method of claim 8 whereby step (f) is not optional.

22. The method of claim 21 whereby said refluxing is for about 4 hours.

23. The method of claim 8 whereby in step (g), water is admixed to the second or third mixture.

24. The method of claim 8 whereby in step (g), R3OH is admixed to the second or third mixture.

25. The method of claim 8 whereby in step (g), R3 is selected from a C1-6 alkyl.

26. The method of claim 8 whereby said admixing in step (a) is at a temperature below about −45° C.

27. The method of claim 8 whereby said admixing in step (a) is at a temperature between about −45° C. and about −116° C.

28. A method of making (Rf)(Rf1)PA1A2 comprising: (a) admixing RfI with RMgBr or RLi at a temperature below about −40° C. to make a first mixture; (b) stirring the first mixture for between about 2 to about 6 hours at temperature below about −40° C.; (c) admixing POCl3 or PSCl3 to the first mixture at a temperature below about −40° C. to produce a second mixture; (d) maintaining said second mixture for about 2 to about 4 hours at a temperature between about −40° C. and about −50° C.; (e) admixing Rf1I with R1MgBr or R1Li in a second container at a temperature below about −40° C. to make a third mixture; (f) stirring said third mixture for between about 2 hours and about 6 hours at temperature below about −40° C.; (g) admixing the contents of said second container and said first container to make a fourth mixture; (h) warming said fourth mixture to between about 15° C. to about 30° C.; (i) optionally, admixing NaSH to said fourth mixture and refluxing for about 2 hours to about 6 hours to produce a fifth mixture; (j) admixing water or R3OH to said fourth mixture or said fifth mixture; and (k) recovering (Rf)(Rf1)PA1A2; wherein, A1 is selected from O and S; A2 is selected from —OH, —SH and —OR3; Rf and Rf1 can be the same or different, can be branched or unbranched, can be linked to form cyclic or extended structures, and are selected from halogenated alkyl, halogenated aryl, halogenated cyclic alkyl, halogenated arylalkyl, halogenated alkylaryl, halogenated polyether, halogenated thioether, halogenated ether thioether, halogenated aklyl amino groups, halogenated alkylene, halogenated silylene, halogenated siloxanes, halogenated silazanes, halogenated olefins, perfluorinated C1-20 alkyl, perfuorinated C1-6 alkyl C1-10 alkyl ethers, n-C8F17, n-C6F13, n-C4F9, n-C2F5, (CF3)2CF(CF2)4, n-C10F21, n-C12F25, (CF3)2CF(CF2)6, and (CF3)2CFO(CF2)2; R3 can be branched or unbranched and is selected from C1-15 alkyl, C3-15 aryl, C4-15 alkylaryl and C4-15 arylalkyl; and R and R1 can be the same or different, can be branched or unbranched, and are selected from an alkyl, aryl, alkylaryl, arylalkyl, methyl, ethyl, benzyl and phenyl.

29. The method of claim 28 wherein Rf and Rf1 can be the same or different, can be branched or unbranched, can be linked to form cyclic or extended structures, and are selected from fluorinated alkyl, fluorinated aryl, fluorinated cyclic alkyl, fluorinated arylalkyl, fluorinated alkylaryl, fluorinated polyether, fluorinated thioether, fluorinated ether thioether, fluorinated aklyl amino groups, fluorinated alkylene, fluorinated silylene, fluorinated siloxanes, fluorinated silazanes, fluorinated olefins, perfluorinated C1-20 alkyl, perfuorinated C1-6 alkyl C1-10 alkyl ethers, n-C8F17, n-C6F13, n-C4F9, n-C2F5, (CF3)2CF(CF2)4, n-C10F21, n-C12F25, (CF3)2CF(CF2)6, and (CF3)2CFO(CF2)2.

30. The method of claim 28 wherein Rf and Rf1 can be the same or different, can be branched or unbranched and are selected from fluorinated alkyl, fluorinated polyether, perfluorinated C1-20 alkyl, perfuorinated C1-6 alkyl C1-10 alkyl ethers, n-C8F17, n-C6F13, n-C4F9, n-C2F5, (CF3)2CF(CF2)4, n-C10F21, n-C12F25, (CF3)2CF(CF2)6, and (CF3)2CFO(CF2)2.

31. The method of claim 28 wherein R3 can be branched or unbranched and is C1-6 alkyl.

32. The method of claim 28 wherein the compound made is selected from (n-C8F17)2POOH, (n-C6F13)2POOH , (n-C4F9)2POOH, (n-C2F5)2POOH, ((CF3)2CF(CF2)4)2POOH, (n-C10F21)2POOH, (n-C12F25)2POOH, ((CF3)2CF(CF2)6)2POOH, ((CF3)2CFO(CF2)2)2POOH, (n-C8F17)(n-C6F13)POOH, (n-C8F17)(n-C4F9)POOH, (n-C8F17)(n-C10F21)POOH, (n-C8F17)2POSH, ((CF3)2CF(CF2)6)2POSH, and (n-C8F17)2POOCH3.

33. The method of claim 28 whereby in step (b) said stirring is for about 4 hours.

34. The method of claim 28 whereby in step (b) said stirring is at a temperature between about −40° C. and about −50° C.

35. The method of claim 28 whereby in step (b) said stirring is at a temperature of about −45° C.

36. The method of claim 28 whereby in step (c) POCl3 is admixed to the first mixture.

37. The method of claim 28 whereby in step (c) said admixing is at a temperature below about −45° C.

38. The method of claim 28 whereby in step (d) said maintaining is for about 3 hours.

39. The method of claim 28 whereby in step (f) said stirring is for about 4 hours.

40. The method of claim 28 whereby in step (f) said stirring is at a temperature between about −40° C. and about −50° C.

41. The method of claim 28 whereby in step (f) said stirring is at a temperature of about −45° C.

42. The method of claim 28 whereby in step (h) said warming is to between about 20° C. to about 25° C.

43. The method of claim 28 whereby in step (h) said warming is to about room temperature.

44. The method of claim 28 whereby step (i) is not optional.

45. The method of claim 44 whereby said refluxing is for about 4 hours.

46. The method of claim 28 whereby in step (j), water is admixed to the fourth mixture or the fifth mixture.

47. The method of claim 28 where by in step (j), R3OH is admixed to the fourth mixture or the fifth mixture.

48. The method of claim 28 whereby in step (j), R3 is selected from C1-6 alkyl.

49. The method of claim 28 whereby said admixing in step (a) is at a temperature below about −45° C.

50. The method of claim 28 whereby said admixing in step (a) is at a temperature between about −45° C. and about −116° C.

51. The method of claim 28 whereby said admixing in step (e) is at a temperature below about −45° C.

52. The method of claim 28 whereby said admixing in step (e) is at a temperature between about −45° C. and about −116° C.

53. An optical device comprising a composition of claim 6 or 7.

54. The optical device of claim 53 wherein said optical device is selected from optical fiber, waveguide, film, amplifier, laser, multiplexer, isolator, interleaver, demultiplexer, filter, highly-sensitive photodetector and switch.

55. An optical device comprising the composition made according to the method of claim 8.

56. The optical device of claim 55 wherein said optical device is selected from optical fiber, waveguide, film, amplifier, laser, multiplexer, isolator, interleaver, demultiplexer, filter, highly-sensitive photodetector and switch.

57. An optical device comprising the composition made according to the method of claim 28.

58. The optical device of claim 57 wherein said optical device is selected from optical fiber, waveguide, film, amplifier, laser, multiplexer, isolator, interleaver, demultiplexer, filter, highly-sensitive photodetector and switch.