Chemical Properties
colourless gas
Chemical Properties
Tetrafluoromethane is a colorless, odorless gas.
Uses
Low tempereture refrigerant; gaseous insulator.
General Description
Tetrafluoromethane is a colorless nonflammable gas. REFRIGERANT GAS R-14, COMPRESSED(75-73-0) is shipped as a liquid under pressure. REFRIGERANT GAS R-14, COMPRESSED(75-73-0) may be narcotic at high concentrations. Under prolonged exposure to fire or heat the containers may rupture violently and rocket. REFRIGERANT GAS R-14, COMPRESSED(75-73-0) is used as a refrigerant.
Hazard
Toxic by inhalation.
Reactivity Profile
The reaction of aluminum with various halogenated hydrocarbons produces a self-sustaining reaction with sufficient heat to melt aluminum pieces, examples of other halogenated hydrocarbons are fluorotrichloromethane, dichlorodifluoromethane, chlorodifluoromethane, tetrafluoromethane. The vigor of the reaction appears to be dependent on the combined degree of fluorination and the vapor pressure [Chem. Eng. News 39(27):44. 1961].
Health Hazard
Vapors may cause dizziness or asphyxiation without warning. Vapors from liquefied gas are initially heavier than air and spread along ground. Contact with gas or liquefied gas may cause burns, severe injury and/or frostbite. Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.
Potential Exposure
Tetrafluoromethane is used in fire extinguishers and as a low temperature refrigerant.
Fire Hazard
Some may burn but none ignite readily. Containers may explode when heated. Ruptured cylinders may rocket.
First aid
If this chemical gets into the eyes, remove any contact lenses at once and irrigate immediately for at least 15 minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek medical attention immediately. If this chemical contacts the skin, remove contaminated clothing and wash immediately with soap and water. Seek medical attention immediately. If this chemical has been inhaled, remove from exposure, begin rescue breathing (using universal precautions, including resuscitation mask) if breathing has stopped and CPR if heart action has stopped. Transfer promptly to a medical facility. If frostbite has occurred, seek medical attention immediately; do NOT rub the affected areas or flush them with water. In order to prevent further tissue damage, do NOT attempt to remove frozen clothing from frostbitten areas. If frostbite has NOT occurred, immediately and thoroughly wash contaminated skin with soap and water.
Shipping
UN1982 Tetrafluoromethane, compressed or or Refrigerant gas R14, Hazard Class: 2.2; Labels: 2.2Nonflammable gas. Cylinders must be transported in a secure upright position, in a well-ventilated truck. Protect cylinder and labels from physical damage. The owner of the compressed gas cylinder is the only entity allowed by federal law (49CFR) to transport and refill them. It is a violation of transportation regulations to refill compressed gas cylinders without the express written permission of the owner.
Incompatibilities
Incompatible with oxidizers (chlorates, nitrates, peroxides, permanganates, perchlorates, chlorine, bromine, fluorine, etc.); contact may cause fires or explosions. Keep away from alkaline materials, strong bases, strong acids, oxoacids, epoxides. Forms hydrogen fluoride and fluorides on decomposition with hot surfaces above 125F/52C or open flame. Incompatible with powdered metals; including aluminum, zinc, and beryllium.
Description
Tetrafluoromethane, CF4, also known as carbon tetrafluoride and fluorocarbon 14, is a colorless gas that is slightly soluble in water.
Waste Disposal
Return refillable compressed gas cylinders to supplier. Nonrefillable cylinders should be disposed of in accordance with local, state and federalregulations. Allow remaining gas to vent slowly into atmosphere in an unconfined area or exhaust hood. Refillabletype cylinders should be returned to original supplier with any valve caps and outlet plugs secured and valve protection caps in place.
Definition
ChEBI: Tetrafluoromethane is a fluorocarbon and a member of fluoromethanes. It has a role as a refrigerant.
Purification Methods
Purify CF4 by repeated passage over activated charcoal at solid-CO2 temperatures. Traces of air are removed by evacuating while alternately freezing and melting. Alternatively, liquefy CF4 by cooling in liquid air and then fractionally distil it under vacuum. (The chief impurity originally present is probably CF3Cl). Use brass equipment. It is non-flammable. [Beilstein 1 H 59, 1 I 8, 1 II 11, 1 III 35, 1 IV 26.]
