A perfluoropolyether, a composition comprising the perfluoropolyether, a
process for producing the perfluoropolyether, and a process for improving
the thermostability of grease or lubricant are provided. The
perfluoropolyether comprises perfluoroalkyl radical end groups in which
the radical has at least 3 carbon atoms per radical and is substantially
free of perfluoromethyl and perfluoroethyl end groups. The process for
producing the perfluoropolyether can comprise (1) contacting a perfluoro
acid halide, a C.sub.2-to C.sub.4-substituted ethyl epoxide, or a
C.sub.3+ fluoroketone with a metal halide to produce an alkoxide; (2)
contacting the alkoxide with either hexafluoropropylene oxide or
tetrafluorooxetane to produce a second acid halide; (3) esterifying the
second acid halide to an ester; (4) reducing the ester to its
corresponding alcohol; (5) converting the alcohol with a base to a salt
form; (6) contacting the salt form with a C.sub.3 or higher olefin to
produce a fluoropolyether; and (7) fluorinating the fluoropolyether. The
process for improving the thermostability of a grease or lubricant
comprises combining the grease or lubricant with the composition.