Popular Science of Hexafluoro Series Products: Key Compounds for Application in Multiple Fields
Introduction
Hexafluoro compounds play an irreplaceable role in the fields of industry, electronics, medicine, etc. due to the unique electronegativity and chemical stability of fluorine atoms. This article focuses on seven important hexafluoro products - hexafluoropropylene, hexafluorobutadiene, hexafluoropropylene oxide, hexafluoroisopropanol, sulfur hexafluoride, molybdenum hexafluoride, and sodium hexafluoroantimonate , and analyzes their characteristics, applications, and safety.
1. Hexafluoropropylene (C₃F₆)
1. Basic properties
· It is a colorless gas with active chemical properties. It is an important monomer for synthesizing fluorine-containing polymer materials.
· High temperature resistance, corrosion resistance, low surface energy.
2. Core applications
·Fluororubber and fluoroplastics : used for high temperature resistant parts such as automobile seals and aviation fuel pipes.
·Refrigerants : Replace traditional CFCs (such as HFCs) that damage the ozone layer .
·Fluorinated surfactants : used in fire-fighting foam and waterproof coatings.
3. Precautions
·Low toxicity, but avoid inhaling high concentrations of gas.
2. Hexafluorobutadiene (C₄F₆)
1. Basic properties
· It is a colorless gas with a chemical structure containing conjugated double bonds and high reactivity.
· High electron affinity, suitable as etching gas.
2. Core Applications
·Semiconductor manufacturing : used for plasma etching of advanced processes (such as below 7nm) to precisely control circuit patterns.
· Fluorine-containing polymer synthesis : preparation of high-performance fluororesins.
3. Environmental advantages
·The global warming potential (GWP) is lower than that of traditional etching gases (such as CF₄), which helps green chip production.
3. Hexafluoropropylene oxide (C₃F₆O)
1. Basic properties
·Colorless liquid, containing epoxy groups and hexafluoro structure, with high reactivity and stability.
2. Core Applications
·Perfluoropolyether (PFPE) synthesis : used in extreme environments such as aerospace lubricants and vacuum pump oils.
·Pharmaceutical intermediates : Synthetic fluorine-containing drugs (such as antiviral and anticancer drugs).
3. Safety Tips
·To skin and eyes, please operate in a fume hood.
4. Hexafluoroisopropanol (C₃H₂F₆O)
1. Basic properties
· Colorless liquid, strong polar solvent, miscible with water and organic solvents.
·Fluorinated groups give it unique solubility and low surface tension.
2. Core applications
· Polymer material solvent : dissolves insoluble polymers such as nylon and polyimide, and is used for spinning or coating.
· Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) : As an alternative solvent for deuterated reagents, it can improve spectral resolution.
· Pharmaceutical synthesis : Participate in the preparation of fluorine-containing chiral compounds.
3. Precautions
· It has a pungent odor. Long-term contact requires protection.
5. Sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆)
1. Basic properties
·Colorless and odorless gas, excellent insulation performance, chemically inert.
2. Core Applications
·Power equipment : insulation and arc extinguishing medium for high-voltage switches and gas insulated switches (GIS).
·Semiconductor : Wafer etching and cleaning.
·Medical : Retinal gas filling in ophthalmic surgery.
3. Environmental challenges
·A potent greenhouse gas (GWP = 23,500), requiring strict recycling and replacement technologies (such as C₅fluoroketone).
6. Molybdenum hexafluoride (MoF₆)
1. Basic properties
·Colorless crystal or gas, strong oxidizing property, easy to hydrolyze.
2. Core Application
·Molybdenum deposition : Chemical vapor deposition (CVD) is used to prepare molybdenum thin films for electronic components.
·Nuclear fuel processing : Fluoridating agents in the uranium purification process.
3. Safety risks
· It will release toxic Hf Gas when in contact with water, so it must be strictly protected from moisture.
7. Sodium hexafluoroantimonate (NaSbF₆)
1. Basic properties
·White crystals, strong Lewis acidity, high stability.
2. Core applications
·Catalysis : As a component of superacids (such as the "magic acid" HSbF₆), it is used in alkane isomerization reactions.
·Electrochemistry : Lithium battery electrolyte additives to improve electrode stability.
3. Precautions
· It is corrosive, so you need to wear acid-resistant protective equipment when operating it.
Safety and Environmental Protection Summary
Toxicity management : Most hexafluoro compounds are irritating or toxic and require closed operation and personal protection.
Greenhouse gas substitution : Promote SF₆ recycling and develop low GWP etching gases (such as C₄F₆).
Waste disposal : Fluoride-containing waste liquid needs to be neutralized and then treated to avoid polluting water sources.
Conclusion
From new energy batteries to chip manufacturing, from aerospace to pharmaceutical synthesis, hexafluoro compounds have become the "invisible pillar" of modern industry with their "fluorine properties". In the future, with the development of green chemistry and low-carbon technology, high-efficiency and low-toxic hexafluoro materials will lead to more innovative breakthroughs.