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Chemical Name: 1,1,1-Trifluoroethane
Other Names: HFC-143a
Chemical Formula: C2H3F3
Use Cases: Commonly found in refrigeration, air conditioning, and as a propellant in aerosol products, substituting banned chlorofluorocarbons.
Physical Appearance: Colorless gas under ambient conditions, often compressed for storage.
Odor: Slightly ethereal, not strong enough to serve as a warning.
Main Hazards: Non-flammable, yet pressurized form creates risk of explosion if heated; heavier than air, displaces oxygen in enclosed spaces; inhalation at high levels leads to dizziness or suffocation.
Health Warnings: High exposure has a strong risk of central nervous system depression, headaches, and cardiac sensitization. Gas can frostbite skin or eyes on direct contact.
Environmental Concerns: Classified as a greenhouse gas, adds to global warming.
Eye and Skin Contact: Liquid phase produces severe cold burns.
Regulatory Signs: Most regions mark cylinders or storage containers with compressed gas warnings.
Main Ingredient: 1,1,1-Trifluoroethane, purity often upwards of 99%.
Impurities: Minor presence of related fluoroalkanes depending on manufacturer, though high-grade material limits these.
CAS Number: 420-46-2
Inhalation: Remove affected person to fresh air quickly, allow rest, give oxygen if breathing is labored, summon medical help if symptoms persist.
Skin Contact: Immediately flush with tepid water, remove contaminated clothing, avoid vigorous rubbing, watch for signs of frostbite—seek urgent medical attention.
Eye Contact: Rinse cautiously with water for at least 15 minutes, avoid direct pressure, consult a medical professional even if symptoms appear mild.
Ingestion: This gas is unlikely to be swallowed, but if liquid is ingested, avoid inducing vomiting, keep person warm and comfortable, and get help right away.
Special Considerations: Some people experience irregular heart rhythms with high vapor exposure—avoid excitement or exertion if exposed.
Extinguishing Media: Use media suitable for surrounding fire; the gas itself does not easily catch fire, but heated containers may rupture and shoot out gas.
DAnger: On severe heating, gas breaks down to toxic fumes, including hydrofluoric acid and carbonyl fluoride.
Firefighter Protection: Wear positive pressure breathing apparatus and protective clothing.
Explosion Risk: Cylinders exposed to fire may leak or explode.
Ventilation: Increase airflow to affected area, evacuate personnel for large leaks.
Personal Protection: Wear safety goggles and gloves to fend off direct stream; self-contained breathing apparatus is best for large releases.
Leak Management: Stop flow if it can be done without risk, avoid open flames or ignition sources even if non-flammable.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent release into drains or poorly ventilated locations, minimize emissions since this is a greenhouse gas.
Safe Handling: Only trained personnel should transfer or dispense this gas, respect pressures involved.
Temperature: Keep cylinders cool, below 50°C.
Location: Store in upright position, away from direct sunlight and sources of heat, in a well-ventilated area.
Incompatibilities: Avoid contact with strong oxidizers or alkali metals.
Storage Practices: Store cylinders secured, with valve protection in place, do not drop or roll.
Eyes: Chemical safety goggles or face shield.
Skin: Impervious gloves and clothing.
Respiratory: Use appropriate respirator if working in confined or poorly ventilated spaces.
Engineering Controls: Rely on local exhaust, leak detection systems, and alarms for oxygen levels.
Occupational Limits: Keep exposures below recommended industry thresholds, avoid buildup in workspace.
State (at room temp): Gas
Color: Clear, colorless
Boiling Point: Around -47°C
Melting Point: Roughly -103°C
Vapor Pressure: High at room temperature
Odor: Slight, faintly sweet
Solubility: Low in water, soluble in organic solvents
Density: Heavier than air
Chemical Stability: Stable in ordinary storage conditions, does not react with dry air, light, or water.
Reactive Conditions: Thermal decomposition occurs at high temperatures, leading to toxic byproducts.
Incompatible Materials: Avoid contact with alkali metals, magnesium, and strong oxidizing agents.
Hazardous Reactions: No significant polymerization risk.
Hazardous Decomposition Products: Fluorinated compounds including hydrogen fluoride and carbonyl fluoride during combustion or breakdown.
Acute Effects: Dizziness, confusion, possible loss of coordination with high vapor exposure; skin or eye frostbite from direct jet or splashes.
Chronic Effects: No substantial data connecting exposure to long-term health damage, but prolonged inhalation exposure is discouraged.
Carcinogenicity: Not suspected to be a cancer risk.
Reproductive Effects: No evidence documented; still, reducing unnecessary exposure in pregnancy remains wise.
Cardiac Sensitization: Risk of irregular heartbeat if combined with stress or adrenaline.
Persistence: Stable and remains in the lower atmosphere long after release, contributes to global warming.
Bioaccumulation: Tends not to concentrate in plants or animals, but affects atmospheric chemistry.
Toxicity to Organisms: Little direct toxicity, but indirect harm through climate effects.
Disposal Method: If reusing or recycling is possible, rely on specialized facilities; incineration must manage toxic byproducts.
Local Rules: Follow local, regional, and national rules on gas cylinder recycling, avoid dumping or release to the environment.
Container Reuse: Do not repurpose empty cylinders for other uses.
UN Number: 2035, often shipped as compressed gas.
Shipping Class: Compressed gas, non-flammable/non-toxic under most codes.
Labels: Gas cylinders need clear hazard markings, stored upright and secured in transit.
Precautions: Prevent physical damage, shield from heat, transport only by trained personnel.
Workplace Safety: Occupational exposure monitored in industrial environments; proper labeling on all containers.
Air Quality: Phased reduction in some countries to control greenhouse gas emissions.
Environment: Several international agreements urge replacement with lower impact alternatives.
Storage and Use: Regulated mostly under compressed gas safety codes and environmental protection agencies.
