Substance profile
Tetrafluoroethylene
Tetrafluoroethylene is a colorless gas and is odorless.
01 · Identification
What Tetrafluoroethylene is
Tetrafluoroethylene is a colorless gas and is odorless. Its molecular formula is C2F4 and its molecular weight is 100.01 g/mol. It boils at -75.9 °C, melts at -131 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as carcinogens.
02 · GHS classification
Hazards and label elements
Harmonised classification under CLP Annex VI. This is the legally binding classification in the EU; other jurisdictions may differ.
| Code | Hazard statement |
|---|---|
| H350 | May cause cancer <state route of exposure if it is conclusively proven that no other routes of exposure cause the hazard>. |
03 · Physical and chemical properties
Tetrafluoroethylene properties
Every value is shown with the conditions it was measured under and the source it came from. Where sources disagree, all values are listed rather than one being picked — the difference is usually a different form of the substance, not an error.
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling point | -75.9 °C (-104.6 °F) | HSDB | |
| -76.28 °C (-105.3 °F) | at 760 mmHg | CAMEO | |
| Melting point | -131.15 °C (-204.1 °F) | HSDB | |
| -142.5 °C (-224.5 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| -131.2 °C (-204.2 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Density | 1.519 g/cm³ | at -76 °C | HSDB |
| 0.58 g/cm³ | at -75.6 °C | HSDB | |
| 1.519 g/cm³ | at -76.11 °C | CAMEO | |
| Solubility | Insoluble (NTP, 1992) | CAMEO | |
| In water, 1.59X10+2 mg/L at 25 °C | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Solubility in water, mg/l at 25 °C: 159 (very slightly soluble) | at 25 °C | ICSC | |
| Vapor pressure | 22800 mmHg | at 21.11 °C | CAMEO |
| 22100 mmHg | at 20 °C | ICSC | |
| 24500 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Flash point | 0 °C (32 °F) | below this value, Tetrafluoroethylene, inhibited | HSDB |
| Autoignition temperature | 187.78 °C (370 °F) | HSDB | |
| 188 °C (370.4 °F) | ICSC | ||
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | 11 % by volume | Tetrafluoroethylene, inhibited | HSDB |
| 10 % by volume | CAMEO | ||
| 10.5 % by volume | calculated | ICSC | |
| Upper explosive limit (UEL) | 60 % by volume | Tetrafluoroethylene, inhibited | HSDB |
| 50 % by volume | CAMEO | ||
| 59 % by volume | calculated | ICSC | |
| Vapor density | 3.87 (air = 1) | HSDB | |
| 3.9 (air = 1) | ICSC | ||
| Critical temperature and pressure | 33.3 °C (91.9 °F) | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
04 · Handling and storage
Storing and handling Tetrafluoroethylene
Storage conditions
/Cylinders containing tetrafluoroethylene under high pressure/ ... should be stored in a cool, well-ventilated area & protected against accidental impacts.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Incompatible materials
Reacts violently with oxidizing materials. Inhibited monomer can decompose explosively when exposed to materials with which it can react exothermically or when exposed to fire conditions. /Tetrafluoroethylene, inhibited/
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Reactivity
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].
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Tetrafluoroethylene in the storage compatibility matrix →