Fluoroalkyloxy alkanes, process for production and uses thereof

Fluoroalkyloxy alkanes having formula (I):

• RF—R1—O—R2 (I)
• wherein:
• RF is a linear or branched perfluoroalkyl group, having from 1 to 12, preferably from 2 to 8, carbon atoms;
• R1 is a linear or branched, non-fluorinated alkylene group, having from 1 to 6, preferably from 2 to 4, carbon atoms;
• R2 is a linear or branched, non-fluorinated alkyl group, having from 1 to 12, preferably from 2 to 8, carbon atoms, possibly containing at least one ether bond —O— along the chain.

A process for preparing a fluoroalkyloxy alkane having formula (I):

• RF—R1—O—R2 (I)
• wherein:
• RF is a linear or branched perfluoroalkyl group, having from 1 to 12, preferably from 2 to 8, carbon atoms;
• R1 is a linear or branched, non-fluorinated alkylene group, having from 1 to 6, preferably from 2 to 4, carbon atoms;
• R2 is a linear or branched, non-fluorinated alkyl group, having from 1 to 12, preferably from 2 to 8, carbon atoms, possibly containing at least one ether bond —O— along the chain;
• comprising reacting a fluorinated alcohol having formula (II):
• RF—R1—OH (II)
• wherein RF and R1 are as defined above, with an alkyl halide having formula (III):
• R2—X (III)
• wherein R2 is as defined above and X is a halogen selected from Br and I, preferably Br.

A medical method, in particular an opthalmological medical method, comprising the step of using an effective amount of at least a fluoroalkyloxy alkane or of a mixture of at least said fluoroalkyloxy alkane and at least one silicone oil, the fluoroalkyloxy alkane having formula (I):

• RF—R1—O—R2 (I)
• wherein:
• RF is a linear or branched perfluoroalkyl group, having from 1 to 12, preferably from 2 to 8, carbon atoms;
• R1 is a linear or branched, non-fluorinated alkylene group, having from 1 to 6, preferably from 2 to 4, carbon atoms;
• R2 is a linear or branched, non-fluorinated alkyl group, having from 1 to 12, preferably from 2 to 8, carbon atoms, possibly containing at least one ether bond —O— along the chain.