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Tetrafluoroethylene

CAS No.116-14-3
Chemical Name:Tetrafluoroethylene
CBNumber:CB6225793
Molecular Formula:C2F4
Formula Weight:100.01
MOL File:116-14-3.mol

Tetrafluoroethylene Property

Melting point -142°C
Boiling point -76.3°C
Density 1.1507
refractive index 1.2420 (estimate)
Water Solubility 110mg/L at 28℃
Dielectric constant 1.9（Ambient）
Stability Stable. Reactive when heated.
LogP 1.21 at 20℃
CAS DataBase Reference 116-14-3(CAS DataBase Reference)
Indirect Additives used in Food Contact Substances TETRAFLUOROETHENE
EWG's Food Scores 2
FDA UNII OMW63Z518S
Proposition 65 List Tetrafluoroethylene
IARC 2A (Vol. 19, Sup 7, 71, 110) 2017
NIST Chemistry Reference Ethene, tetrafluoro-(116-14-3)
EPA Substance Registry System Tetrafluoroethene (116-14-3)

Safety

Hazard Codes :C,F
Risk Statements :11
Safety Statements :16-36/37/39-45
RIDADR :1081
Hazard Note :Corrosive/Flammable
HazardClass :2.1
Hazardous Substances Data :116-14-3(Hazardous Substances Data)
Toxicity :LC50 (4 hr) in rats, mice, hamsters, guinea pigs (ppm): 37500-45000, 35000, 28500, 28000 (Kennedy)

NFPA 704:

	4
2		3

Hazard and Precautionary Statements (GHS)

Symbol(GHS)
Signal wordDanger
Hazard statements H350
Precautionary statements

Tetrafluoroethylene Chemical Properties,Usage,Production

Description Tetrafluoroethylene is a synthetic, colorless, flammable gas that is insoluble in water. Tetrafluoroethylene is used primarily in the synthesis of polytetrafluoroethylene resins. It is also used as a monomer in the synthesis of copolymers and as a propellant for food product aerosols. When heated to decomposition, tetrafluoroethylene emits highly toxic fluorocarbon fumes. The primary route of human exposure to this compound is inhalation. Acute inhalation exposure to tetrafluoroethylene may result in irritation of the respiratory tract and buildup of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema). Contact with this gas can cause eye irritation. This chemical is reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen. (NCI05)
Chemical Properties Tetrafluoroethylene is a colorless, flammable gas. Heavier than air. insoluble in water. soluble in acetone.
Uses In manufacture of polymers and synthesis of fluorinated refrigerants, dielectric media and solvents. In vinyl polymerization, cycloalkylation and addition reactions.
Preparation Tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) is manufactured from chloroform. Chloroform is fluorinated by reaction with hydrogen fluoride to produce chlorodifluoromethane (R-22). Pyrolysis of chlorodifluoromethane then yields TFE.
CHCl3 + 2 HF → CHClF2 + 2 HCl
2CHClF2 → C2F4 + 2 HCl
A laboratory synthesis entails pyrolysis of a PTFE under a vacuum. The PTFE polymer "cracks" and depending on the pressure, produces mainly C2F4.
Application The main use of tetrafluoroethylene is in the manufacture of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) that is used as nonstick coatings on cookware, membranes for clothing that are both waterproof and breathable, electrical-wire casing, fire- and chemical-resistant tubing, and plumbing thread seal tape.The most widely known PTFE formulation is sold under the brand name of Teflon®. PTFE was discovered by DuPont Co. in 1938.
Definition Tetrafluoroethene is a fluorocarbon. It is a gaseous organic compound (a fluorocarbon and a haloalkene) used to make the plastic polytetrafluoroethene (PTFE).
General Description Tetrafluoroethylene, stabilized appears as a colorless odorless gas. Easily ignited. Vapors are heavier than air. May asphyxiate by the displacement of air. May violently polymerize under prolonged exposure to fire or heat, violently rupturing the container. Under prolonged exposure to fire or heat the containers may rupture violently and rocket. Water insoluble.
Air & Water Reactions Flammable. Forms polymeric peroxides that are explosive [Bretherick 1979 p. 164].
Reactivity Profile Tetrafluoroethylene reacts with air (oxygen) to form polymeric peroxides that are explosive [Bretherick 1979 p. 164]. Probably susceptible to similar reactions with a number of oxidizing agents.May polymerize violently (inhibitor tends to prevent this reaction). May react violently with aluminum. Contamination of a tetrafluoroethylene gas supply system led to a reaction between the inhibitor, limonene, and the contaminant, iodine pentafluoride. This initiated an explosive polymerization event [MCA Case History No. 1520].
Hazard Flammable, dangerous fire risk. Kidney and liver damage; kidney and liver cancer. Possible carcinogen.
Health Hazard Inhalation causes irritation of respiratory system. Contact with eyes causes slight irritation.
Flammability and Explosibility Extremely flammable
Safety Profile Confirmed carcinogen. Mildly toxic by inhalation. Can act as an asphyxiant and may have other toxic properties. The gas is flammable when exposed to heat or flame. The inhibited monomer will explode if igntted. Explosive in the form of vapor when exposed to heat or flame. Will explode at pressures above 2.7 bar if limonene inhbitor is not added. Iodine pentafluoride depletes the limonene inhbitor and then causes explosive polymerization of the monomer. Mixtures with hexafluoropropene and air form an explosive peroxide. Reacts violently with SO3; air; dfluoromethylene dihypofluorite; loxygen difluoride; iodine pentafluoride; oxygen. When heated to decomposition it emits highly toxic fumes of F-. See also FLUORIDES.
Potential Exposure A potential danger to those involved in the production of TFE and the manufacture of fluorocarbon polymers.
Carcinogenicity Tetrafluoroethylene is reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen based on sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity from studies in experimental animals (NTP 1997).
Incompatibilities Reacts with air. Hazardous polymerization may occur unless inhibited. Will explode at pressures above 2.7 bar if terpene inhibitor is not added. Inhibited monomer can decompose explosively in fire, under pressure, or upon contact with materials with which it can react exothermically. Violent reaction with oxygen, oxidizers, sulfur trioxide; halogen compounds.
Toxics Screening Level The Initial Risk Screening Level(IRSL) for Tetrafluoroethylene is 0.4 μg/m3 with annual average.
Waste Disposal Return refillable compressed gas cylinders to supplier. Nonrefillable cylinders should be disposed of in accordance with local, state and federal regulations. Allow remaining gas to vent slowly into atmosphere in an unconfined area or exhaust hood. Refillable-type cylinders should be returned to original supplier with any valve caps and outlet plugs secured and valve protection caps in place.