Perfluorooctane

Perfluorooctane[1]
Structural formula of perfluorooctane
Space-filling model of perfluorooctane
Names
IUPAC name
1,1,1,2,2,3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8,8-Octadecafluorooctane
Other names
PF5080
Identifiers
307-34-6 
ChEBI CHEBI:38826 Yes
ChemSpider 9018 Yes
EC number 206-199-2
Jmol-3D images Image
PubChem 9387
UNII 6P60ZBK0QL Yes
Properties
C8F18
Molar mass 438.06 g/mol
Appearance Clear, colorless liquid
Density 1.766 g/mL
Melting point −25 °C (−13 °F; 248 K)
Boiling point 103 to 104 °C (217 to 219 °F; 376 to 377 K)
10 ppm
Hazards
Main hazards None
Flash point None
None
Except where noted otherwise, data is given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C (77 °F), 100 kPa)
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Infobox references

Perfluorooctane, also known as octadecafluorooctane, is a fluorocarbon liquida perfluorinated derivative of the hydrocarbon octane. It can be a good substitute for insulating oil in high voltage electronics. In addition to heat transfer applications, it has also been used as a breathable fluid in partial liquid ventilation.[2]

Manufacture

Perfluorooctane can be manufactured by the Fowler process or by electrochemical fluorination.

Fowler Process

The Fowler process involves moderating the action of elemental fluorine with cobalt fluoride in the gas phase from octane.

Electrochemical fluorination

Electrolysis in hydrogen fluoride of nonanoic acid will produce both perfluorononanoic acid and perfluorooctane. Perfluorooctane manufactured this way is marketed under the name PF5080 (or FC77) by 3M as part of their Fluorinert range of heat transfer fluids.[3]

Applications

Perfluorooctane is chemically inert, but has useful physical properties, leading to its employment in diverse areas:

References

  1. Perfluorooctane at Sigma-Aldrich
  2. H. Proquitté, M. Rüdiger, R. R. Wauer and G. Schmalisch (2003). "Breathing gas perfluorocarbon measurements using an absorber filled with zeolites". British Journal of Anaesthesia 91 (5): 736–8. doi:10.1093/bja/aeg247. PMID 14570799.
  3. "3M Performance Fluid PF-5080". 3M.
  4. http://tradelinemedical.net/perfluorooctane.htm
  5. Claes C, Worst J, Zivojnovic R (1992). "Retinal detachment surgery following implantation of a keratoprosthesis. A case report.". Bulletin de la Societe Belge D'ophtalmologie 243: 167–169.