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Chemical name: Octafluoropropane
Synonyms: Perfluoropropane, FC-218
Chemical formula: C3F8
Molecular weight: 188.02 g/mol
Physical form: Colorless, odorless gas at room temperature
CAS Number: 76-19-7
Common uses: Refrigerant, tracer gas, and in plasma etching processes
Transport classification: Compressed, liquefied, or dissolved under pressure for shipping
Main health risks: High concentrations displace oxygen, potentially leading to asphyxiation
Signal word: Warning – nonflammable gas
Environmental concerns: Greenhouse gas with strong global warming potential
Physical hazards: Cylinders may rupture under heat or fire; frostbite risk from rapid expansion
GHS label elements: Gas cylinder pictogram, hazard statements regarding asphyxiation, decompression effects, and frostbite
Substance: Pure chemical
Main component: Octafluoropropane, C3F8 (approximately 100%)
Inhalation: Remove affected person from exposure area into fresh air; provide oxygen or artificial respiration if needed; seek immediate medical attention for breathing difficulty
Skin contact: If liquefied gas contacts skin, flush thoroughly with warm water; avoid rubbing, do not apply heat; persistent irritation or blistering requires medical care
Eye contact: Flush eyes gently with plenty of water; remove contact lenses if present and easy to do; consult doctor if irritation occurs
Ingestion: Ingestion considered unlikely due to physical state; if liquid is swallowed, rinse mouth and seek immediate medical advice
Material flammability: Not flammable under normal conditions
Hazardous decomposition: Exposed to high heat or flame, may release toxic fluorinated compounds such as hydrogen fluoride and carbonyl fluoride
Suitable extinguishing media: Use any fire extinguishing agent suitable for surrounding fire
Specific fire risks: Cylinders exposed to fire can rupture or explode; keep cool with water spray from a safe distance
Special protective equipment: Firefighters should wear full turnout gear and self-contained breathing apparatus to avoid inhaling toxic vapors
Personal precautions: Ventilate affected area before entry; evacuate people from the hazard zone; use appropriate respiratory protection for confined spaces
Environmental precautions: Prevent uncontrolled release into the atmosphere; recognize greenhouse gas impact
Clean-up methods: Stop gas flow at source if safe; increase ventilation to allow gas dispersal; avoid direct contact with escaping liquid
Handling recommendations: Secure cylinders to prevent falling; use with proper pressure regulators; work in well-ventilated spaces to reduce asphyxiation risk
Incompatible materials: Strong alkali metals, open flames, high-energy materials
Storage conditions: Store cylinders upright, away from heat sources and in dry, cool, well-ventilated areas; protect from physical damage; keep out of direct sunlight
Occupational exposure limits: No established exposure limit; oxygen monitoring is essential due to asphyxiation danger
Engineering controls: Use proper ventilation or local exhaust; monitor oxygen concentration regularly
Personal protective equipment: Safety goggles, insulated gloves for handling liquefied gas, non-porous clothing, suitable respiratory protection in low oxygen environments or risk of accidental release
Workplace hygiene: Avoid eating, drinking, or smoking near areas where gas is used or stored
Appearance: Colorless, odorless, tasteless compressed gas at standard conditions
Boiling point: Around -36.7°C
Melting point: Near -183°C
Molecular weight: 188.02 g/mol
Vapor pressure: High at room temperature
Solubility in water: Very low
Density: Heavier than air, will collect in low lying areas
Critical temperature: 71.9°C
Chemical stability: Stable under normal temperature and pressure
Conditions to avoid: Extreme heat, open flames, sources of ignition
Incompatible materials: Highly reactive metals like sodium, potassium; decomposes under electric discharge
Hazardous decomposition: Toxic and corrosive fluorinated gases such as hydrogen fluoride possible during thermal decomposition
Acute toxicity: Not acutely toxic at low concentrations; main hazard comes from oxygen displacement
Chronic effects: No known long-term health hazards for humans in regular handling at low concentrations
Other health impacts: Rapid decomposition products can cause respiratory irritation; direct skin or eye contact with liquefied gas may freeze tissue
Persistence and degradability: Not readily biodegradable; chemically persistent in the atmosphere
Bioaccumulation risk: Unlikely due to inert nature
Aquatic toxicity: Not expected to harm aquatic life directly; floating gas presents little hazard in water but may collect in confined or poorly ventilated areas
Global effects: Significant greenhouse gas with high global warming potential, so every unintentional release matters
Safe disposal: Do not vent to atmosphere; send unused or residual gas to authorized waste disposal sites with recovery facilities
Regulation: Comply with local, national, and international requirements governing greenhouse gases
Cylinder return: Empty cylinders returned to supplier for reuse or recycling reduces environmental impact
Shipping class: Compressed non-flammable gas
Packing group: Not applicable for this type of material
Labeling: Display gas cylinder symbol and gas name
Handling during transport: Secure cylinders, protect from physical damage, avoid heat and direct sunlight; follow carrier rules about hazardous pressurized gases
Classifications: Listed under environmental regulations as a greenhouse gas with restrictions depending on jurisdiction
Labelling: Subject to labeling laws for compressed gas and environmental impact
Restrictions: Use and release limits set by environmental agencies in many countries based on greenhouse gas policies
Worker right-to-know: Workers must know hazards through training and labeling; documentation of risk and emergency response needs regular review
