Product Name: Tetrafluoromethane Chemical Formula: CF4 Synonyms: Carbon tetrafluoride, Perfluoromethane CAS Number: 75-73-0 Intended Use: Electronics manufacturing, chemical processing, plasma etching processes Supplier Information: Available from major gas suppliers worldwide; emergency contacts provided on shipment labels
Classification: Compressed gas; simple asphyxiant Main Hazards: May displace oxygen in poorly ventilated areas; high-pressure cylinders can rupture or explode if damaged; exposure can quickly cause suffocation GHS Pictograms: Gas cylinder symbol Signal Word: Warning Precautionary Statements: Avoid release in confined or poorly ventilated spaces; keep away from fire or heat Acute Symptoms: Lightheadedness, headaches, unconsciousness from lack of oxygen, frostbite hazard with direct contact
Chemical Name: Tetrafluoromethane Concentration: 100% CAS Number: 75-73-0 Impurities: None typically found in specialty-grade product Molecular Weight: 88.0 g/mol Structural Formula: CF4
Inhalation: Move affected person to fresh air immediately; provide oxygen if breathing is difficult; use artificial respiration if not breathing; call for medical help Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing; use lukewarm water, never hot, on any frostbitten areas; seek medical attention for persistent pain or discoloration Eye Contact: Rinse eyes with plenty of water, do not rub, seek medical attention without delay Ingestion: Ingestion considered unlikely under normal industrial use Additional Advice: Exposed individuals should always be monitored for oxygen deficiency and related symptoms
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use dry chemical, CO2, or water spray for surrounding fires; product itself does not burn Special Hazards: Cylinders can rupture violently when heated; thermal decomposition may create toxic gases such as hydrogen fluoride Protective Equipment: Firefighters should wear self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear Fire/Explosion Risks: Use water to cool containers but avoid water directly on leaking gas as it may create more vapor Special Procedures: Evacuate area, fight fires from a safe distance, and prioritize cooling of cylinders
Personal Precautions: Evacuate all unnecessary personnel; ventilate affected area thoroughly; ensure only trained staff handle cylinders Protective Equipment: SCBA and gloves suitable for cold temperatures Environmental Precautions: Prevent gas from entering confined spaces or sewers; report large releases to appropriate authorities Methods for Containment: Stop leak if safe; use non-sparking tools; move cylinders to ventilated space if possible Decontamination: Not usually required, as the gas disperses
Handling: Use only with proper ventilation; secure cylinders upright, avoid dropping or dragging Precautionary Measures: Inspect all equipment for leaks before use; never attempt to repair or modify cylinder valves Storage Conditions: Store away from direct sunlight, heat, ignition sources; keep cylinders at temperatures below 50°C (122°F) Special Requirements: Clearly label storage areas and provide warning signs; segregate full and empty cylinders Incompatibilities: Strongly avoid storage near reactive metals such as alkali metals, and keep away from hydrofluoric acid
Occupational Exposure Limits: Simple asphyxiant; no specific exposure limit established; maintain oxygen levels above 19.5% Engineering Controls: Use explosion-proof ventilation systems in enclosed areas; install oxygen monitoring equipment Personal Protective Equipment: Wear safety glasses or goggles, cold-resistant gloves, and flame-resistant lab coats; use SCBA in confined spaces Hygiene Measures: Wash hands after handling; avoid eating, drinking, or smoking around use areas Environmental Controls: Limit emission to air; capture exhaust gases and vent outdoors if possible
Appearance: Colorless, odorless gas Boiling Point: -128°C (-198°F) Melting Point: -184°C (-299°F) Vapor Pressure: 3,787 kPa (at 21°C) Density: 3.72 kg/m3 (at 0°C, 1 atm) Solubility: Slightly soluble in water; more soluble in organic solvents Critical Temperature: -45.6°C Flammability: Non-flammable Odor Threshold: Not applicable; gas remains odorless at any concentration
Chemical Stability: Stable under recommended conditions; rarely reacts at room temperature Reactivity: May react with alkali metals, magnesium, or at high temperatures to form toxic products Hazardous Decomposition: Exposure to fire or strong heat can generate hydrogen fluoride and carbon monoxide Conditions to Avoid: Open flames, hot surfaces, poorly ventilated areas Polymerization: Does not undergo hazardous polymerization
Acute Toxicity: Simple asphyxiant; displaces oxygen and creates risk of suffocation Chronic Effects: No evidence of long-term toxic effects in humans at occupational exposure levels Inhalation Hazards: Dizziness, drowsiness, rapid loss of consciousness in low-oxygen environments Skin/Eye Contact: Direct contact with rapidly evaporating liquid can cause frostbite Carcinogenicity: Not listed as a carcinogen by NTP, IARC, or OSHA
Environmental Impact: Contributes to greenhouse gas burden; very long atmospheric lifetime (about 50,000 years) Mobility: Gas disperses quickly; does not bioaccumulate Aquatic Toxicity: No direct toxicity to aquatic organisms observed; indirect effects via atmospheric impact Persistence: Extremely persistent; removal primarily by slow atmospheric processes Bioaccumulation: Unlikely, given volatility and chemical stability Special Concerns: Usage in electronics industry drives emissions; alternatives sought to reduce environmental footprint
Product Disposal: Recover unused gas for recycling; contact supplier for options; do not release into the atmosphere without consideration of environmental impact Contaminated Packaging: Return empty cylinders to supplier; do not attempt to puncture or incinerate Regulatory Features: Disposal subject to national and regional environmental control regulations; consult with local agencies before disposal Best Practices: Use dedicated recovery equipment; minimize venting; opt for reclamation whenever possible
UN Number: UN1982 Proper Shipping Name: Tetrafluoromethane, compressed Transport Hazard Class: 2.2 (Non-flammable compressed gas) Packing Group: Not applicable for gases Special Provisions: Cylinders must be secured; labeling and placarding per transport regulations required Emergency Response Guide: Refer to Guide 120 in the Emergency Response Guidebook for compressed gases Regulatory Status: Covered by international regulations for air, road, rail, and marine transport
Regulatory Status: Subject to TSCA (US), REACH (EU), and Canadian DSL Hazard Labels: Non-flammable gas, Environmental hazard symbol (as required by region) SARA Title III: Not listed as an extremely hazardous substance Other Local Laws: May require reporting under greenhouse gas inventory and reduction laws Restrictions: Increasingly controlled under national and international greenhouse gas management programs Reference Standards: Occupational safety and environmental agencies provide ongoing guidance and regulation