Tetrafluoroethylene or C2F4 is a colorless and odorless gas used in the production of fluoropolymers such as Teflon. It is also used in the production of refrigerants and propellants.
| IUPAC name | Tetrafluoroethylene |
| Molecular Formula | C2F4 |
| CAS number | 116-14-3 |
| Synonyms | TFE, perfluoroethylene, ethene, tetrafluoro-, F4E, freon 1113, Halocarbon 1113 |
| InChI | InChI=1S/C2F4/c3-1(4)2(5)6 |
C2F4 Lewis Structure
The Lewis structure of tetrafluoroethylene, which is also known as TFE or C2F4, can be represented as two carbon atoms double-bonded to each other, with each carbon atom bonded to two fluorine atoms. The Lewis structure shows the arrangement of valence electrons in the molecule, and provides information on the bonding and geometry of the molecule. The non-polar nature of TFE is also evident in its Lewis structure, which shows no separation of charge or net dipole moment.
Tetrafluoroethylene molar mass
The molar mass of tetrafluoroethylene, which is also known as TFE or C2F4, is 100.02 g/mol. This value is calculated by adding up the atomic masses of all the elements present in the molecule, which are two carbon atoms and four fluorine atoms. The molar mass is an important parameter in determining the amount of a substance present in a given volume or mass, and is also used in stoichiometric calculations.
Tetrafluoroethylene boiling point
Tetrafluoroethylene has a boiling point of -76.3 °C (-105.34 °F) at standard pressure. It is a highly volatile gas that can quickly vaporize at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. The low boiling point of TFE makes it ideal for various industrial applications such as in refrigeration systems and as a propellant for aerosol sprays.
Tetrafluoroethylene melting point
Tetrafluoroethylene does not have a distinct melting point as it undergoes a phase transition directly from solid to gas, skipping the liquid phase. However, the solid form of TFE can exist at temperatures below -76.3 °C under high pressure conditions. The solid form of TFE is also highly unstable and reactive, and can spontaneously polymerize or decompose.
Tetrafluoroethylene density g/ml
The density of tetrafluoroethylene at standard temperature and pressure (STP) is 1.47 g/L. However, since TFE is a gas, its density can vary significantly with changes in temperature and pressure. At room temperature and atmospheric pressure, the density of TFE is approximately 3.21 g/L.
Tetrafluoroethylene molecular weight
The molecular weight of C2F4 is 100.02 g/mol. This value is calculated by adding up the atomic weights of all the atoms present in the molecule. TFE has a relatively low molecular weight, which contributes to its high volatility and low boiling point.
C2F4 Structure
C2F4 has a linear structure, with two carbon atoms double bonded to each other and each bonded to two fluorine atoms. The molecule is highly symmetric and has no net dipole moment, making it non-polar. The linear geometry of TFE also contributes to its high reactivity and ability to form polymer chains.
C2F4 formula
The chemical formula for C2F4 is C2F4, which indicates that the molecule contains two carbon atoms and four fluorine atoms. The formula provides information on the types and number of atoms present in the molecule, which can be useful in predicting its chemical behavior and reactions.
| Appearance | Colorless gas |
| Specific Gravity | 1.47 g/L at STP |
| Color | Colorless |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Molar Mass | 100.02 g/mol |
| Density | 3.21 g/L at room temperature and atmospheric pressure |
| Melting Point | Does not have a distinct melting point |
| Boiling Point | -76.3 °C (-105.34 °F) at standard pressure |
| Flash Point | Not applicable, as TFE is a gas |
| Water Solubility | Insoluble |
| Solubility | Soluble in some organic solvents such as acetone and chloroform |
| Vapor Pressure | 209.7 kPa at 20 °C |
| Vapor Density | 2.95 (air = 1) |
| pKa | Not applicable, as TFE is not an acid or base |
| pH | Not applicable, as TFE is not an acid or base |
Tetrafluoroethylene Safety and Hazards
Tetrafluoroethylene can pose several safety and health hazards if not handled properly. Exposure to high concentrations of TFE can cause irritation to the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract. Prolonged exposure can also result in lung damage, including pulmonary edema and pneumonia. TFE is also a flammable gas that can form explosive mixtures with air. Therefore, it should be stored and transported in specialized containers to avoid fire or explosion hazards. It is important to use proper protective equipment, including respiratory protection, when handling TFE to prevent exposure and minimize the risk of adverse health effects.
| Hazard Symbols | F+ (Highly flammable) |
| Safety Description | Highly flammable gas. Causes serious eye irritation. May cause respiratory irritation. |
| UN IDs | UN1080 |
| HS Code | 2903.39 |
| Hazard Class | 2.1 (Flammable gas) |
| Packing Group | Not applicable, as TFE is a gas |
| Toxicity | TFE has low acute toxicity, but prolonged exposure can result in lung damage and other adverse health effects. TFE is also considered a potential human carcinogen. |
Tetrafluoroethylene Synthesis Methods
Tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) can be synthesized through several methods, including thermal and catalytic decomposition of various fluorocarbon compounds.
One common method of TFE synthesis is thermal decomposition of chlorodifluoromethane (CCl2F2) in the presence of a suitable initiator at high temperatures. The process involves breaking the carbon-chlorine bonds in CCl2F2 to form a radical, which then reacts with other molecules to produce TFE.
Another method is catalytic decomposition of fluorocarbon compounds such as hexafluoropropene (HFP) or octafluorocyclobutane (OFCB) over a suitable catalyst, such as aluminum chloride or antimony pentafluoride, at high temperatures. This method produces a mixture of TFE and other fluorocarbon byproducts, which are then separated and purified.
In addition, TFE can be synthesized through electrochemical fluorination, a process that involves passing a mixture of hydrogen and fluorine gases over a metal anode in the presence of an electrolyte. This method produces a mixture of TFE and other fluorinated compounds, which are then separated and purified.
Overall, the synthesis of TFE requires specialized equipment and expertise due to the highly reactive and hazardous nature of the chemicals involved. Therefore, it is important to follow proper safety protocols and regulations when conducting TFE synthesis.
Tetrafluoroethylene Uses
Tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) is a versatile chemical with several industrial and commercial applications.
- One of the primary uses of TFE is as a monomer for the production of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), a non-stick and heat-resistant polymer commonly known as Teflon.
- TFE serves as a feedstock for producing other fluorinated compounds, such as perfluorinated carboxylic acids and perfluoroalkyl sulfonates, which have applications in electronics, textiles, and other industries.
- TFE plays a crucial role in the production of fluoropolymers, such as polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), which are widely used in coatings, pipes, and wires due to their high chemical resistance and durability.
- Manufacturers utilize TFE as a refrigerant in air conditioning and refrigeration systems and in the production of foam insulation materials.
- The pharmaceutical industry employs TFE as a solvent and propellant for aerosol formulations.
- TFE finds wide-ranging applications, including coatings for cookware, electrical insulation, and high-performance seals.
Overall, the versatility and unique properties of TFE make it a valuable chemical in a wide range of industrial and commercial applications. However, it is important to follow proper safety protocols and regulations when handling TFE to minimize the risk of adverse health effects and environmental damage.
Questions:
What atomic or hybrid orbitals make up the sigma bond between c2 and f in tetrafluoroethylene, c2f4?
The sigma bond between C2 and F in tetrafluoroethylene (C2F4) is formed by the overlap of hybrid orbitals. In C2F4, each carbon atom is sp2 hybridized, meaning that its three atomic orbitals (one 2s and two 2p orbitals) combine to form three sp2 hybrid orbitals, which are arranged in a trigonal planar geometry. Each carbon atom also has one unhybridized 2p orbital, which is perpendicular to the plane of the sp2 orbitals.
The fluorine atom has a singly occupied 2p orbital that overlaps with the unhybridized 2p orbital of the adjacent carbon atom to form the sigma bond. This overlap occurs end-to-end between the two atoms, resulting in a linear arrangement of the atoms in the molecule. The electrons in the sigma bond are primarily located in the region between the two nuclei, creating a strong covalent bond between the carbon and fluorine atoms.
Teflon is produced from the polymerizing tetrafluoroethylene?
Yes, Teflon is produced by polymerizing tetrafluoroethylene (TFE). TFE is a colorless, odorless gas that can be polymerized in the presence of a catalyst to form polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), which is commonly known as Teflon.
The polymerization process involves initiating the reaction using a radical initiator such as ammonium persulfate or azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN), which generates free radicals that initiate the chain reaction of TFE monomers polymerizing into PTFE.