1,1,1,2,3,3,3-Heptafluoropropane Property

Melting point:

-126.8°C

Boiling point:

-16.4°C

Density 

1,409 g/cm³

refractive index 

1.2747 (estimate)

solubility 

Soluble 1 in 1725 parts of water at 20°C.

Stability:

Stable. Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents, alkali metals

LogP

1.610 (est)

CAS DataBase Reference

431-89-0(CAS DataBase Reference)

NIST Chemistry Reference

1,1,1,2,3,3,3-Heptafluoropropane(431-89-0)

EPA Substance Registry System

HFC-227ea (431-89-0)

Safety

Hazard Codes 

Xi

Safety Statements 

23-38

RIDADR 

3296

Hazard Note 

Irritant

HazardClass 

2.2

HS Code 

2903460010

Hazardous Substances Data

431-89-0(Hazardous Substances Data)

Toxicity

mouse,LC,inhalation,> 7200gm/m3/4H (7200000mg/m3),BEHAVIORAL: MUSCLE WEAKNESSBEHAVIORAL: SOMNOLENCE (GENERAL DEPRESSED ACTIVITY)LUNGS, THORAX, OR RESPIRATION: DYSPNEA,Toksikologicheskii Vestnik. Vol. (3), Pg. 37, 1996.

Hazard and Precautionary Statements (GHS)

Symbol(GHS)

Signal word

Warning

Hazard statements

H280Contains gas under pressure; may explode if heated

H315Causes skin irritation

H319Causes serious eye irritation

H335May cause respiratory irritation

Precautionary statements

P260Do not breathe dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray.

P271Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area.

P280Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection.

1,1,1,2,3,3,3-Heptafluoropropane Chemical Properties,Usage,Production

Chemical Properties

Heptafluoropropane is a liquefied gas and exists as a liquid at room temperature when contained under its own vapor pressure, or as a gas when exposed to room temperature and atmospheric pressure. The liquid is practically odorless and colorless. The gas in high concentration has a faint etherlike odor. Heptafluoropropane is noncorrosive, nonirritating, and nonflammable.

Uses

HFC 227ea is being developed as a CFC replacement in refrigerants, high temperature heat pumps, air-conditioning systems; as a fire suppressant; and for pharmaceutical aerosols and metered-dose inhalers.

Flammability and Explosibility

Non flammable

Pharmaceutical Applications

Heptafluoropropane is classified as a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) aerosol propellant since the molecule consists only of carbon, fluorine, and hydrogen atoms. It does not contain any chlorine and consequently does not affect the ozone layer, nor does it have an effect upon global warming. It is therefore considered as an alternative propellant to CFCs for metered-dose inhalers (MDIs). While some of its physical and chemical properties are known, little has been published in regard to its use as a replacement for CFCs in MDIs.
The vapor pressure of heptafluoropropane is somewhat lower than that of tetrafluoroethane and dichlorodifluoromethane but considerably higher than the vapor pressure used to formulate most MDIs.
When heptafluoropropane is used for pharmaceutical aerosols and MDIs, the pharmaceutical grade must be specified. Industrial grades may not be suitable due to their impurity profile. Similarly to tetrafluoroethane, heptafluoropropane is not a good solvent for medicinal agents or for the commonly used surfactants and dispersing agents used in the formulation of MDIs.
There are several MDIs formulated with this propellant worldwide that contain a steroid as the active ingredient.

Safety

Heptafluoropropane is used as a fire extinguisher and is applicable as a non-CFC propellant in various metered-dose inhalers. Heptafluoropropane is regarded as nontoxic and nonirritating when used as directed. No acute or chronic hazard is present when it is used normally. Inhaling high concentrations of heptafluoropropane vapors can be harmful and is similar to inhaling vapors of other propellants. Deliberate inhalation of vapors of heptafluoropropane can be dangerous and may cause death. The same labeling required of CFC aerosols would be required for those containing heptafluoropropane as a propellant (except for the EPA requirement).

storage

Heptafluoropropane is a nonreactive and stable material. The liquefied gas is stable when used as a propellant and should be stored in a metal cylinder in a cool, dry place.