AbstractIn order to elucidate the catalytic behavior of phosphorus pentafluoride in the polymerization of anhydro sugars, 13P and 19F NMR spectra were measured on a reaction mixture of 1,6‐anhydro‐2,3,4‐tri‐O‐benzyl‐β‐D‐glucopyranose (LGTBE) and PF5 with different mole ratios in a temperature range of −40 to −80°C. In the 31P NMR spectrum measured at low temperatures, there was a total of 16 peaks, which consisted of a broad quintet, a septet, and a sharp quartet, being assigned to the PF4O‐group, to PF, and to POF3, respectively. These fluoro compounds were also determined by the 19F NMR spectrum of the reaction mixture. The concentration of PF ions was found to correspond to that of oxonium ions, which are assumed to be actual propagating species, by determining both the concentration of PF from 19F NMR spectrum and the degree of polymerization of 2,3,4‐tri‐O‐benzyl‐α‐D‐glucopyranan obtained. Formation of the PF5: LGTBE complex was observed from the 31P NMR spectrum of the polymerization system at −80°C, which exhibits a broad sextet as well as absorptions due to POF3, PF4O–, and PF. To confirm the PF5:LGTBE complex, the NMR measurement of the PF5: tetrahydropyran complex was carried out. A polymerization mechanism of LGTBE by PF5 catalyst is discussed on the basis of the NMR measurement of the polymerization system.