Hexafluoroethane

PFAS -> Other Nonpolymers

PFAS -> non-polymer

PFAS -> Other/unspecified

PFAS -> Other/unspecified

PFAS -> PFAS identified in REACH Regulation EC No. 1272/2008

log Kow = 2.0

2.0

Density: 1.590 g/cu cm at -78 °C

4.76 (air=1)

In water, 7.78 mg/L at 25 °C

Insoluble in water; slightly soluble in ethanol, ethyl ether

-78.1 °C

-78.2 °C @760 [mm Hg]

Warning

H280 (100%): Contains gas under pressure; may explode if heated [Warning Gases under pressure]

P410+P403</a, and a href="https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ghs/#P410+P403">P410+P403 (click each P-code to see the statement)

Aggregated GHS information provided per 145 reports by companies from 4 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory.

Not Classified

Warning

Chemical: Ethane, hexafluoro-

Ethane, 1,1,1,2,2,2-hexafluoro- is listed on the EPA's Chemical Data Reporting (CDR) system. Manufacturers and importers of Ethane, 1,1,1,2,2,2-hexafluoro- are required to report information about their production and use of this chemical to the EPA under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). (40 eCFR Part 711)

REACH registered substance: Perfluoroethane (EC: 200-939-8)

Hexafluoroethane: Non hazardous

The New Jersey Worker and Community Right to Know Act requires public and private employers to provide information about hazardous substances at their workplaces. (N.J.S.A. 34:5A-1 et. seq.)

Excerpt from ERG Guide 126 [Gases - Compressed or Liquefied (Including Refrigerant Gases)]:

· Some may burn but none ignite readily.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 126 [Gases - Compressed or Liquefied (Including Refrigerant Gases)]:

· Vapors may cause dizziness or asphyxiation without warning, especially when in closed or confined areas.

In confined space spill, may displace air and act as simple asphyxiant; Evaporating liquid can cause frostbite; [CAMEO] In confined space spill, may displace air and act as simple asphyxiant; Evaporating liquid can cause frostbite; Inhalation of high concentrations can cause CNS depression and cardiac arrhythmias; [MSDSonline]

HEXAFLUOROETHANE is chemically inert in many situations, but can react violently with strong reducing agents such as the very active metals and the active metals. Can react with strong oxidizing agents or weaker oxidizing agents under extremes of temperature.

/GUIDE 126 GASES - COMPRESSED or LIQUEFIED (Including Refrigerant Gases)/ Fire or Explosion: Some may burn but none ignite readily. Containers may explode when heated. Ruptured cylinders may rocket.

/GUIDE 126 GASES - COMPRESSED or LIQUEFIED (Including Refrigerant Gases)/ Health: Vapors may cause dizziness or asphyxiation without warning. Vapors from liquefied gas are initially heavier than air and spread along ground. Contact with gas or liquefied gas may cause burns, severe injury and/or frostbite. Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.

/GUIDE 126 GASES - COMPRESSED or LIQUEFIED (Including Refrigerant Gases)/ Public Safety: CALL Emergency Response Telephone Number on Shipping Paper first. If Shipping Paper not available or no answer, refer to appropriate telephone number listed on the inside back cover. As an immediate precautionary measure, isolate spill or leak area for at least 100 meters (330 feet) in all directions. Keep unauthorized personnel away. Stay upwind. Many gases are heavier than air and will spread along ground and collect in low or confined areas (sewers, basements, tanks). Keep out of low areas. Ventilate closed spaces before entering.

/GUIDE 126 GASES - COMPRESSED or LIQUEFIED (Including Refrigerant Gases)/ Protective Clothing: Wear positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). Wear chemical protective clothing that is specifically recommended by the manufacturer. It may provide little or no thermal protection. Structural firefighters' protective clothing will only provide limited protection.

For more DOT Emergency Guidelines (Complete) data for Perfluoroethane (8 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Hexafluoroethane, or Refrigerant gas R 116

UN2193

Div 2.2 Non-flammable compressed gas (49 eCFR § 173.115)

· CALL 911. Then call emergency response telephone number on shipping paper. If shipping paper not available or no answer, refer to appropriate telephone number listed on the inside back cover.

· Do not touch or walk through spilled material.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 126 [Gases - Compressed or Liquefied (Including Refrigerant Gases)]:

General First Aid:

Suitable extinguishing media: Use water spray, alcohol-resistant foam, dry chemical or carbon dioxide.

Advice for firefighters: Wear self-contained breathing apparatus for firefighting if necessary.

Use water spray to cool unopened containers.

Hexafluoroethane is a nonflammable liquid and gas. Use extinguishing agents suitable for type of surrounding fire ... Vapors are heavier than air and will collect in low areas. Containers may explode in fire. Storage containers and parts of containers may rocket great distances, in many directions. If material or contaminated runoff enters waterways, notify downstream users of potentially contaminated waters. Notify local health and fire officials and pollution control agenecies. From a secure, explosion-proof location, use water spray to cool exposed containers. If cooling streams are ineffective (venting sound increases in volume and pitch, tank discolors, or shows any signs of deforming), withdraw immediately to a secure position. ... The only respirators recommended for firefighting are self-contained breathing apparatuses that have full face-pieces and are operated in a pressure-demand or other positive-pressure mode.

Keep container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. Contents under pressure.

Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well-ventilated area away from metals, including aluminum, zinc, and beryllium, and from open flames or temperatures above 52 °C.

ACCIDENTAL RELEASE MEASURES: Personal precautions, protective equipment and emergency procedures: Avoid breathing vapors, mist or gas. Ensure adequate ventilation. Evacuate personnel to safe areas; Environmental precautions: Do not let product enter drains; Methods and materials for containment and cleaning up: Clean up promptly by sweeping or vacuum.

Evacuate and restrict persons not wearing protective equipment from area of spill or leak until cleanup is complete. Remove all ignition sources. Ventilate area of spill or leak. Ventilate area of leak to disperse the gas. Stop flow of gas. If source of leak is a cylinder and the leak cannot be stopped in place, remove the leaking cylinder to a safe place in the open air, and repair leak or allow cylinder to empty. Absorb liquids in vermiculite, dry sand, earth, or a similar material and deposit in sealed containers. Keep this chemical out of a confined space, such as a sewer, because of the possibility of an explosion, unless the sewer is designed to prevent the buildup of explosive concentrations. It may be necessary to contain and dispose of this chemical as a hazardous waste. If material or contaminated runoff enters waterways, notify downstream users of potentially contaminated waters.

SRP: Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in air, soil or water; effects on animal, aquatic and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations. If it is possible or reasonable use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational harm/injury/toxicity or environmental contamination.

Product: Offer surplus and non-recyclable solutions to a licensed disposal company. Contact a licensed professional waste disposal service to dispose of this material; Contaminated packaging: Dispose of as unused product.

Appropriate engineering controls: Handle in accordance with good industrial hygiene and safety practice. Wash hands before breaks and at the end of workday.

Gloves must be inspected prior to use. Use proper glove removal technique (without touching glove's outer surface) to avoid skin contact with this product. Dispose of contaminated gloves after use in accordance with applicable laws and good laboratory practices. Wash and dry hands.

Excerpt from ERG Guide 126 [Gases - Compressed or Liquefied (Including Refrigerant Gases)]:

Immediate precautionary measure

330 [ppm]

3700 [ppm]

22000 [ppm]

The potential of the test substance to sensitize the heart to a challenge of epinephrine injection was tested in beagle dogs. Beagle dogs received a control injection of epinephrine (0.008 mg/kg) intravenously prior to exposure and a challenge injection (same dosage) after breathing the test material for five minutes. The test substance on a volume to volume basis in air, did not produce cardiac sensitization in 12 healthy, male, beagle dogs which were tested. On the basis of this experimental study, cardiac sensitization does not appear to pose a serious hazard to mammals exposed to the test substance at a concentration of 20% or less (V/V in air), or a mixture with N2O at a concentration of 20% test substance and ~4% N2O (V/V in air).

Fifteen rabbits (30 eyes) were divided into 3 experimental groups, the contralateral eyes in same animals served as the controls. Eyes in group A and B received two vitreous injections of 15 IU of hyaluronidase at an interval of 5 d. The eyes in group C and all control eyes were injected with balanced salt solution (BSS). Seven days after injection, the experimental eyes in group A and C received 0.5 mL of C(2)F(6) injection. The ocular and retinal signs were examined for 8 following weeks and then killed for histological examination. Five eyes in group A (100.0%) showed complete separation of the vitreous cortex from the retina (PVD), three eyes in group B (60.0%) showed partial PVD, and no PVD was detected in group C and all control eyes. On electroretinogram no significant difference was found in amplitude and latency of a-(or b-) wave in both experimental and control eyes, between before and after experiments. No evidence of ocular or retinal toxicity was revealed by light or scanning electronic microscopy in all eyes. Vitreous injection of hyaluronidase combined with perfluoroethane, as a safety method, can induce posterior vitreous detachment without mechanical vitrectomy.

TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 200(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that perfluoroethane is expected to have moderate mobility in soil(SRC). Volatilization of perfluoroethane from moist soil surfaces is expected to be an important fate process(SRC) given a Henry's Law constant of 20.3 atm-cu m/mole(3). Perfluoroethane is expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon a vapor pressure of 25,100 mm Hg at 25 °C(4). Biodegradation data in soil were not available(SRC, 2016).

AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 200(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that perfluoroethane is expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). Volatilization from water surfaces is expected(3) based upon a Henry's Law constant of 20.3 atm-cu m/mole(4). Using this Henry's Law constant and an estimation method(3), volatilization half-lives for a model river and model lake are 3 hours and 5 days, respectively(SRC). Perfluoroethane is not expected to undergo hydrolysis in the environment due to the lack of functional groups that hydrolyze under environmental conditions(3). According to a classification scheme(5), an estimated BCF of 10(SRC), from its log Kow of 2.00(6) and a regression-derived equation(2), suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC). Biodegradation data in water were not available(SRC, 2016).

ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), perfluoroethane, which has a vapor pressure of 25,100 mm Hg at 25 °C(2), is expected to exist solely as a gas in the ambient atmosphere. Gas-phase perfluoroethane has an estimated atmospheric life-time of 500 to 10,000 years(3-5). Perfluoroethane has 20-, 100- and 500-year Global Warming Potentials of 8200, 9200-12,500 and 17,300-19,100(4-7), respectively. Perfluoroethane does not contain chromophores that absorb at wavelengths >290 nm(8) and, therefore, is not expected to be susceptible to direct photolysis by sunlight(SRC).

IDENTIFICATION AND USE: Perfluoroethane is a colorless gas. It is used as dielectric and coolant, aerosol propellant, refrigerant. Perfluoroethane is studied for its possible value as intravitreal tamponades in retinal surgery. HUMAN EXPOSURE AND TOXICITY: Perfluoroethane did not induce structural or numerical chromosome aberrations in human peripheral blood lymphocytes in either the non-activated or metabolically -activated test systems. The major complications in patients after vitreous surgery and one of two perfluorocarbon gases were increased intraocular pressure, which was usually transient, and gas-induced lens opacities. ANIMAL STUDIES: Acute exposure of rats to the test substance at concentrations of 20% by volume in air for 2 hours or 80% by volume in oxygen for 4 hours was not lethal and produced marginal signs of intoxication either during or after exposure or on gross pathological examination 14 days later. It did not show cardiac sensitization in beagle dogs at exposure levels of 200,000 ppm. 14-Day rat study including examination of FOB (Functional Observational Battery) and motor activity end-points, identifies a NOAEL of 50,000 ppm established based on the absence of effects in all end-points at the highest concentration tested. Perfluoroethane was not toxic in developmental studies in rats. Micronucleus evaluation from repeated inhalation exposure of male and female rats to 0, 2500, 10000, or 50000 ppm was negative.

The increasing concentrations of perfluoroethane in the atmosphere are attributed mainly to aluminum manufacturing and electronic chip production(1-2). Monitoring of 8 aluminum smelters in Quebec Province, Canada (about 11% of the global aluminum production) was conducted during a 6-month period in 1993-1994(3). The emission of perfluoroethane was <1 ppb volume for periods between anode events; the average flux per anode event (a total of 1,105 events) ranged between 0.02 to 0.08 kg(3). Perfluoroethane emissions from plasma-etching process in the production of semiconductors have increased from 200 tons/year in the early 1990s to 700 tons/year in the late 1990s(4). Perfluoroethane was detected in stack emissions from waste incineration(5).

Using a structure estimation method based on molecular connectivity indices(1), the Koc of perfluoroethane can be estimated to be 200(SRC). According to a classification scheme(2), this estimated Koc value suggests that perfluoroethane is expected to have moderate mobility in soil.

RURAL/REMOTE: Annual average concentrations of perfluoroethane in Pt. Barrow, AK were 2.80 and 2.99 parts/trillion volume in 1996 and 1997, respectively. Annual average concentrations reported for Cape Meares, OR were as follows (parts/trillion volume, (year): 1.43 (1978); 1.35 (1979); 1.45 (1980); 1.52 (1981); 1.63 (1982); 1.58 (1983); 1.70 (1984); 1.87 (1985); 1.89 (1986); 1.96 (1987); 1.93 (1988); 2.12 (1989); 2.35 (1990); 2.48 (1991); 2.33 (1992); 2.37 (1993); 2.62 (1994); 2.81 (1995); 2.69 (1996); 2.92 (1997). Annual average concentrations reported for Palmer Station, Antarctic were 2.49, 2.64, 2.64, and 2.75 parts/trillion volume for 1994, 1995, 1996, and 1997, respectively. The ever increasing concentrations are attributed mainly to aluminum manufacturing and electronic chip production. The background concentration is zero based on measurements reported over the last 100 years(1). The vertical distribution of perfluoroethane in the stratosphere was reported to range from 4 parts/trillion volume at 10 km to 2.5 parts/trillion volume at 33.2 km(2). Firn air samples collected at the North Greenland ice core project site in Greenland and from Berkner Island, Antarctica indicate that perfluoroethane increased from 0.3 to 2.9 parts/trillion between 1940 and 2003(3).

/GENOTOXICITY/ The test substance was evaluated for its ability to induce structural chromosome aberrations in vitro using human peripheral blood lymphocytes (HPBL) in the absence and presence of an exogenous metabolic activation system (Aroclor-induced rat liver S9). Numerical aberrations were also recorded. To establish a concentration range for the chromosome aberration assay, a preliminary toxicity test was initially conducted. The test substance was provided as a colorless gas and diluted with ambient air in Tedlar bags to desired concentrations. HPBL were exposed to the pre-formulated test substance atmosphere concentrations in air-tight glass tubes. In the preliminary toxicity assay the cells were treated for 4 and 22 hours in the non-activated test condition and for 4 hours in the S9-activated test condition. All cells were harvested 22 hours after treatment initiation. The cells were exposed to 7 concentrations of the test substance ranging from 1.25 to 75% v/v, as well as a negative control (ambient air). Neither precipitation nor toxicity was observed in the preliminary toxicity assays in each test condition, therefore the highest concentration selected for the chromosome aberration assay was based on the highest achievable test substance concentration, 100%. The concentrations chosen for the chromosome aberration assay were 25, 50, 75 and 100%. No precipitation or toxicity was observed in any test condition. Selection of doses for microscopic analysis was based on the highest concentration tested. Cytogenetic evaluations were conducted at 25, 50, and 100% as well as the negative and positive control in each test condition. The percentage of cells with numerical or structural aberrations in the test substance-treated groups was not significantly increased above that of the negative control at any concentration (p = 0.05, Fisher's exact test). Under the conditions of this study, the test substance was not found to induce structural or numerical chromosome aberrations in the in vitro mammalian chromosome aberration test in human peripheral blood lymphocytes in either the non-activated or S9-activated test systems. It was concluded that the test substance was negative in this in vitro test.

/OTHER TOXICITY INFORMATION/ Fifty-six patients with complicated retinal detachments were managed with vitreous surgery and one of two perfluorocarbon gases. These gases are capable of greater expansion and greater longevity compared to sulfur hexafluoride. Forty-five patients received perfluoropropane (C3F8), eleven received perfluoroethane (C2F6). The retinas of 31 patients (55.4%) were attached at six months after the disappearance of the gas. In many instances, operations performed with air-sulfur hexafluoride mixtures had failed and the retina was subsequently reattached with the use of the perfluorocarbon gases. The major complications were increased intraocular pressure, which was usually transient, and gas-induced lens opacities.

Perfluoroethane's production and use in the manufacturing of semiconductor devices(1), dielectric gases(1) and in its administration in eye surgery(2) may result in its release to the environment through various waste streams(SRC). Its formation as a byproduct in aluminum ore processes(3) will result in its direct release to the environment(SRC).

An estimated BCF of 10 was calculated in fish for perfluoroethane(SRC), using a log Kow of 2.00(1) and a regression-derived equation(2). According to a classification scheme(3), this BCF suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC).

The Henry's Law constant for perfluoroethane is reported as 20.3 atm-cu m/mole(1). This Henry's Law constant indicates that perfluoroethane is expected to volatilize rapidly from water surfaces(2). Based on this Henry's Law constant, the volatilization half-life from a model river (1 m deep, flowing 1 m/sec, wind velocity of 3 m/sec)(2) is estimated as 3 hours(SRC). The volatilization half-life from a model lake (1 m deep, flowing 0.05 m/sec, wind velocity of 0.5 m/sec)(2) is estimated as 5 days(SRC). Perfluoroethane's Henry's Law constant indicates that volatilization from moist soil surfaces may occur(SRC). Perfluoroethane is expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon a vapor pressure of 25,100 mm Hg(3).

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Acute Exposure/ Fifteen rabbits (30 eyes) were divided into 3 experimental groups, the contralateral eyes in same animals served as the controls. Eyes in group A and B received two vitreous injections of 15 IU of hyaluronidase at an interval of 5 days. The eyes in group C and all control eyes were injected with balanced salt solution (BSS). Seven days after injection, the experimental eyes in group A and C received 0.5 mL of C(2)F(6) injection. The ocular and retinal signs were examined for 8 following weeks and then killed for histological examination. Five eyes in group A (100.0%) showed complete separation of the vitreous cortex from the retina (PVD), three eyes in group B (60.0%) showed partial PVD, and no PVD was detected in group C and all control eyes. On electroretinogram no significant difference was found in amplitude and latency of a-(or b-) wave in both experimental and control eyes, between before and after experiments. No evidence of ocular or retinal toxicity was revealed by light or scanning electronic microscopy in all eyes. Vitreous injection of hyaluronidase combined with perfluoroethane, as a safety method, can induce posterior vitreous detachment without mechanical vitrectomy.

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Acute Exposure/ Acute exposure of rats to the test substance at concentrations of 20% by volume in air for 2 hours or 80% by volume in oxygen for 4 hours was not lethal and produced marginal signs of intoxication either during or after exposure or on gross pathological examination 14 days later.

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Acute Exposure/ In a study from 1972, PFC-116 did not show cardiac sensitization in beagle dogs at exposure levels of 200,000 ppm.

/LABORATORY ANIMALS: Acute Exposure/ The potential of the test substance to sensitize the heart to a challenge of epinephrine injection was tested in beagle dogs. Beagle dogs received a control injection of epinephrine (0.008 mg/kg) intravenously prior to exposure and a challenge injection (same dosage) after breathing the test material for five minutes. The test substance on a volume to volume basis in air, did not produce cardiac sensitization in 12 healthy, male, beagle dogs which were tested. On the basis of this experimental study, cardiac sensitization does not appear to pose a serious hazard to mammals exposed to the test substance at a concentration of 20% or less (V/V in air), or a mixture with N2O at a concentration of 20% test substance and ~4% N2O (V/V in air).

For more Non-Human Toxicity Excerpts (Complete) data for Perfluoroethane (7 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

Three gases, perfluoromethane, perfluoroethane, and perfluoropropane (CF4, C2F6, and C3 F8, respectively) were studied for their possible value as intravitreal tamponades in retinal surgery. The gases expand and have intraocular longevities that increase with the length of the carbon chain. A 0.4-cc injection of CF4, remained in the eye six days, twice as long as an equivalent amount of air; C2F6 remained 16 days, more than four times as long as air; and C3F8 remained 28 days, nine times as long as air and four times as long as sulfur hexafluoride.

Used as dielectric, coolant, aerosol propellant, and refrigerant; [Hawley]

Gaseous perfluorocarbons (PFC 14, PFC 116, PFC 218) are used in plasma etching processes in the microelectronic industry and as gaseous dielectrics.

Dielectric and coolant, aerosol propellant, refrigerant.

... used for plasma, ion-beam, or sputter etching of semiconductor devices.

Used in wafer etching and for cleaning chemical vapor deposition in the manufacturing of semiconductor chips

For more Uses (Complete) data for Perfluoroethane (6 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

2023: 100,000 - <250,000 lb

Production volumes for non-confidential chemicals reported under the Inventory Update Rule. [Table#7609]

Production volume for non-confidential chemicals reported under the 2006 Inventory Update Rule. Chemical: Ethane, 1,1,1,2,2,2-hexafluoro-. Aggregated National Production Volume: 1 to < 10 million pounds.

Non-confidential 2012 Chemical Data Reporting (CDR) information on the production and use of chemicals manufactured or imported into the United States. Chemical: Ethane, 1,1,1,2,2,2-hexafluoro-. National Production Volume: Withheld.

Industrial Gas Manufacturing

Ethane, 1,1,1,2,2,2-hexafluoro-: ACTIVE

In separating aluminum from ore by electrochemical processes /perfluoroethane is/ formed as a byproduct during "anode effect" episodes