Amphiphilic compound having one of the following structures:(X--T).sub.n --A--Y.sub.m and (X-T).sub.n --R--(T--A).sub.nwherein X is a fluorocarbon terminal group, T is a polar linking group, A is a nucleus other than saturated lower aliphatic, Y is a polar nonlinking group, R is a saturated or unsaturated, substituted or unsubstituted, straight or branched lower aliphatic group, n is at least one, and the sum of n and m is at least two. Such compounds are useful as lubricants for magnetic media. Also, a lubricated magnetic medium comprising a planar, polar surface covered with a monolayer comprising a compound having the structure described above, except that A can also be a saturated lower aliphatic group.