Fluorocarbon
From Free net encyclopedia
Fluorocarbons are chemical compounds that contain carbon-fluorine bonds. They often contain hydrogen, chlorine, or bromine.
Common fluorocarbons include the ozone depleting chlorofluorocarbons as well the related hydrochlorofluorocarbon, which are less threatening to the ozone. Triflic acid, CF3SO3H, and trifluoroacetic acids, CF3CO2H are important reagents in organic synthesis.
Fluorocarbon polymers are also well-known. These polymers are tough, chemical inert, and electrically insulating. The most famous example is DuPont's Teflon, a polymer of tetrafluoroethylene. Similarly, organofluorine stain-repellants are widely used (such as perfluorobutanesulfonate, and perfluorooctanesulfonate, related to perfluorooctanoic acid). Nafion is an acidic fluorocarbon polymer used in fuel cells.
Fluorocarbons are also used in fishing line and myriad precision plastics applications. Flurocarbon compounds are also used in highly precise lubrication applications.
Few naturally-occurring organic compounds contain fluorine, in contrast with natural products that contain chlorine, bromine. The C-F bond is generally metabolically stable and many pharmaceuticals contain C-F bonds.