Perfluoroalkanes

chemical compound

Perfluorohexane (), or tetradecafluorohexane, is a fluorocarbon. It is a derivative of hexane in which all the hydrogen atoms are replaced by fluorine atoms. It is used in one formulation of the electronic cooling liquid/insulator Fluorinert for low-temperature applications due to its low boiling point of 56 °C and freezing point of −90 °C. It is odorless and colorless. Unlike typical hydrocarbons, the structure features a helical carbon backbone. In medical imaging it is used as a contrast agent.

Hexafluoroethane is an organofluorine compound with the chemical formula . It is a non-flammable colorless odorless gas negligibly soluble in water and slightly soluble in methanol. Its structure is . It is an extremely potent and long-lived greenhouse gas. It is the perfluorocarbon counterpart to the hydrocarbon ethane.

Perfluorooctane, also known as octadecafluorooctane, is a fluorocarbon liquid—a 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.

Perfluorobutane (PFB) is an inert, high-density colorless gas. It is a simple fluorocarbon with a n-butane skeleton and all the hydrogen atoms replaced with fluorine atoms.

Octafluoropropane (C3F8) is the perfluorocarbon counterpart to the hydrocarbon propane. This non-flammable and non-toxic synthetic substance has applications in semiconductor production and medicine. It is also an extremely potent greenhouse gas.

Perfluoropentane (PFP) or dodecafluoropentane; also known as Perflenapent (INN/USAN) is a fluorocarbon, the fluorinated analogue of pentane. It is a liquid that boils at slightly over room temperature.

Perfluoroheptane, C7F16, (usually referring to the straight chain molecule called n-perfluoroheptane) is a perfluorocarbon. It is hydrophobic (water-insoluble) and oleophobic (oil-insoluble). It is used in deacidification of paper as a medium carrying powdered magnesium oxide.