Product Identification

Product Name

Tetrafluoroethylene

Synonyms

Perfluoroethene
Perfluoroethylene
Tetrafluorethene
TFE

CAS

116-14-3

Formula

C2F4

Molecular Weight

100.02

EINECS

204-126-9

RTECS

KX4000000

RTECS Class

Tumorigen; Drug; Reproductive Effector

Beilstein/Gmelin

1098492

Physical and Chemical Properties

Appearance

A colorless, odorless gas.

Solubility in water

Insoluble

Melting Point

-142.5

Boiling Point

-76.3

Vapor Pressure

24500

Density

1.519 g/cm3 (20 C)

Partition Coefficient

1.37

Usage

In prepn of propellants for food product aerosols.

Vapor Density

3.9

First Aid Measures

Ingestion

This compound is a gas, therefore inhalation is the first route of exposure.

Inhalation

IMMEDIATELY leave the contaminated area; take deep breaths of fresh air. If symptoms (such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, or burning in the mouth, throat, or chest) develop, call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital. Provide proper respiratory protection to rescuers entering an unknown atmosphere. Whenever possible, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) should be used.

Skin

CAUTION: Exposure of skin to compressed gases may result in freezing of the skin. Treatment for frostbite may be necessary. Remove the victim from the source of contamination. IMMEDIATELY wash affected areas gently with COLD water (and soap, if necessary) while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Dry carefully with clean, soft towels. If symptoms such as inflammation or irritation develop, IMMEDIATELY call a physician or go to a hospital for treatment.

Eyes

First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop.

Handling and Storage

Storage

Cylinders containing tetrafluoroethylene under high pressure.Should be stored in a cool, well-ventilated area and protected against accidental impacts store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated location. Separate from oxidizing materials, air, sulfur trioxide, halogen compounds. Outside or detached storage is preferred.

Handling

All chemicals should be considered hazardous. Avoid direct physical contact. Use appropriate, approved safety equipment. Untrained individuals should not handle this chemical or its container. Handling should occur in a chemical fume hood.

Hazards Identification

Inhalation

Pulmonary irritation, bronchial constriction, cough, dyspnea, and chest tightness may develop after inhalation. Chronic pulmonary hyperreactivity may occur. Adult respiratory distress syndrome has been reported following acute inhalational exposures. Pulmonary edema is an autopsy finding in fatal cases.

Skin

Dermal contact may result in defatting, irritation or contact dermatitis. Severe frostbite has been reported as an effect of freon exposure. Injection causes transient pain, erythema and edema.

Eyes

EYES - Eye irritation occurs with ambient exposure. Frostbite of the lids may be severe. NOSE - Nasal irritation occurs with ambient exposure. THROAT - Irritation occurs. Frostbite of the lips, tongue, buccal mucosa and hard palate developed in a man after deliberate inhalation.

Ingestion

Nausea may develop. Ingestion of a small amount of trichlorofluoromethane resulted in necrosis and perforation of the stomach in one patient.

Hazards

Vapor is heavier than air and may travel considerable distance to source of ignition and flash back..Toxic impurities formed during preparation or pyrolysis of tetrafluoroethylene, particularly octafluoroisobutylene...Are hazardous.

UN (DOT)

1081

Exposure Controls/Personal Protection

Personal Protection

Wear appropriate protective gloves, clothing and goggles. Always wear thermal protective clothing when handling refrigerated/cryogenic liquids.

Respirators

Self-contained breathing apparatus for high concentration.

Exposure Effects

Headache, dizziness, and disorientation are common. Cerebral edema may be found on autopsy. Dichlorodifluoromethane was not teratogenic in rats and rabbits. <br>The reproductive effects of 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane were studied in rats. No adverse effects on reproductive performance was noted or on the development, maturation or reproductive performance of up to two successive generations.

Exposure limit(s)

2 ppm TLV

Poison Class

5

Fire Fighting Measures

Flash Point

-108

Autoignition

200

Fire Fighting

Do not extinguish fire unless flow can be stopped. Use water in flooding quantities as fog. Cool all affected containers with flooding quantities of water. Apply water from as far a distance as possible.

Upper exp. limit

60

Lower exp. limit

11

Fire Potential

Atmospheric concentration of tetrafluoroethylene should not be allowed in contact with open flames. Flammable, dangerous fire risk

Accidental Release Measures

Small spills/leaks

Keep sparks, flames, and other sources of ignition away. Keep material out of water sources and sewers. Attempt to stop leak if without undue personnel hazard. Use water spray to knock-down vapors.

Stability and Reactivity

Stability

Closed containers may rupture violently when heated. Polymerizes easily.

Incompatibilities

Reacts with air (oxygen) to form polymeric peroxides that are explosive May react violently with aluminum.

Decomposition

When heated to decomposition it emits highly toxic fumes of hydrogen fluoride.

Combustion Products

When burned in air, gas forms toxic carbonyl fluoride and hydrogen fluoride.

Transport Information

UN Number

1081

Hazard Class

2.1