Chemical Properties
Colorless to almost transparent liquid
Uses
Perfluoro(2-methyl-3-pentanone) has outstanding flame retardant effect to prevent burning and is used in the protection of molten magnesium and fire extinguishing agents with no impact on the environment.
Preparation
158 g of perfluoro-2,3-epoxy-2-methyl pentane, 2.9 g of potassium fluoride, 6 g of sulfolane and 100 mL of diglyme are added into a 500 mL three-neck flask equipped with a reflux condensing tube and a mechanical stirring device, respectively. The temperature is raised to be 30 °C after stir starts. After 3 hours of reaction, the reaction product of Perfluoro(2-methyl-3-pentanone) is analyzed by gas chromatography.
Flammability and Explosibility
Not classified
Industrial uses
Perfluoro(2-methyl-3-pentanone) can be used as a wet cleaning agent to clean steam reactors and their components, as well as to clean unwanted deposits accumulated in gas phase reactors and etch dielectric or metallic materials in gas phase reactors.
Environmental considerations
Perfluoro(2-methyl-3-pentanone) is a commonly used fire-fighting fluid. The photolysis of Perfluoro(2-methyl-3-pentanone) gives CF3CF2C·(O) and ·CF(CF3)2 radicals. This compound can undergo hydrolysis to produce PFPrA and CF3CFHCF3 (HFC-227ea) in a manner analogous to the Haloform reaction. The atmospheric fate of Perfluoro(2-methyl-3-pentanone) seems to be direct photolysis, which, under low NOx conditions, gives PFPrA a small yield[1].
The Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS) classifies this chemical as H412 - Harmful to aquatic life with long-lasting effects. Photolysis in sunlight, hydrolysis, and hydration may be a significant sink of Perfluoro(2-methyl-3-pentanone) in the environment.
References
[1] Jackson, Derek A. , et al. "Atmospheric Degradation of Perfluoro-2-methyl-3-pentanone: Photolysis, Hydrolysis and Hydration." Environmental Science & Technology 45.19(2011):p.8030-8036.
