Product Description

Octafluorocyclobutane gas, also known as C4F8 or perfluorocyclobutane, is a chemical compound composed of carbon and fluorine. It is a colorless, odorless gas with the molecular formula C4F8. Here are some key points about octafluorocyclobutane gas:

1. Formation: Octafluorocyclobutane can be synthesized by the reaction of tetrafluoroethylene (CF2=CF2) with fluorine gas (F2). The reaction proceeds as follows:
   CF2=CF2 + 4F2 → C4F8

2. Physical properties: C4F8 is a non-flammable and non-toxic gas at room temperature and pressure. It has a boiling point of -16.3 °C (-1.3 °F) and a melting point of -97.9 °C (-144.2 °F). It is relatively stable and has low reactivity under normal conditions.

3. Chemical properties: Octafluorocyclobutane is chemically inert and does not readily react with other substances. It is non-corrosive and electrically insulating, making it suitable for certain applications requiring electrical insulation.

4. Uses: C4F8 gas finds various applications, particularly in the electronics industry. It is commonly used as a dielectric gas in plasma etching processes for semiconductor manufacturing. It is highly effective in etching materials such as silicon dioxide (SiO₂) and silicon nitride (Si₃N₄). Octafluorocyclobutane is also utilized in the production of photovoltaic cells, flat-panel displays, and other electronic devices.

5. Environmental impact: Similar to other fluorinated gases, octafluorocyclobutane has a high global warming potential (GWP). It has a significantly higher GWP than carbon dioxide (CO₂) over a 100-year time frame. Hence, efforts are being made to monitor and reduce the emissions of C4F8 and other fluorinated gases to mitigate their impact on climate change.

When working with or handling octafluorocyclobutane gas, it is important to follow proper safety protocols, including using appropriate protective equipment and adhering to handling guidelines provided by experts and manufacturers.