Perfluorooctane sulfonate
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| Perfluorooctane sulfonate | |
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| Systematic name | heptadecafluorooctane-1-sulfonate |
| Other names | perfluorooctane sulfonate PFOS |
| Molecular formula | C8F17O3S− (anion) C8HF17O3S (acid) |
| Molar mass | 499.12 g/mol (anion) 500.13 g/mol (acid) |
| Density | ? g/cm3 |
| Solubility (water) | ? g/l |
| Melting point | ? °C |
| Boiling point | 133 °C at 6 Torr (acid) |
| CAS number | [45298-90-6] (anion) [1763-23-1] (acid) |
| Elimination half-life | 1460 days (human) |
| Disclaimer and references | |
Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS, or perfluorooctanyl sulfonate) is the anion with the formula C8F17SO3−. It is the conjugate base of perfluorooctane sulfonic acid. Salts of this anion are used as surfactants. The chemical structure is CF3CF2CF2CF2CF2CF2CF2CF2SO3−. Like other fluorocarbons the C8F17 subunit in PFOS repels water, and the sulfonic acid group makes the anion polar.
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[edit] Uses
- PFOS was a key ingredient in Scotchgard, a fabric protector made by 3M, and numerous stain repellents. In 2000, 3M decided to reformulate Scotchgard, an effort which was finished in 2002.
- PFOS, together with PFOA, has also been used to make aqueous film forming foam (AFFF), a component of fire-fighting foams, and alcohol-type concentrate foams.
- PFOS compounds can be also found in some impregnation agents for textiles, paper, and leather; in wax, polishes, paints, varnishes, and cleaning products for general use; in metal surfaces, and carpets.
- In the semiconductor industry, PFOS is used in multiple photolithographic chemicals including: photoacid generators (PAGs) and anti-reflective coatings (ARCs). Phased out in the European Union semiconductor industry due to health concerns.
[edit] Safety
PFOS is a persistent organic pollutant. It is exceptionally stable in environment. In 1997, low levels of PFOS were found in tissues of polar bears, dolphins, albatrosses, and blood samples from people worldwide. PFOS is considered toxic.
[edit] See also
[edit] External links
- PFOS risk assessment report
- Perfluorinated surfactants contaminate German waters - article in Environmental Science & Technology
- Links to external chemical sources
[edit] References
- Martin, J.W.; Smithwick, M.M.; Braune, B.M.; Hoekstra, P.F.; Muir, D.C.G.; Mabury, S.A. "Identification of Long-Chain Perfluorinated Acids in Biota from the Canadian Arctic." Environmental Science and Technology 2004, 38 (2), pp. 373-380.
