Chemical Datasheet
TETRAFLUOROETHYLENE, STABILIZED |
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Chemical Identifiers
The
Chemical Identifier fields
include common identification numbers, the
NFPA diamond
U.S. Department of Transportation hazard labels, and a general
description of the chemical. The information in CAMEO Chemicals comes
from a variety of
data sources.
CAS Number | UN/NA Number | DOT Hazard Label | USCG CHRIS Code |
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NIOSH Pocket Guide | International Chem Safety Card | ||
none |
NFPA 704
Diamond | Hazard | Value | Description | |||||||||
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2 | Can cause temporary incapacitation or residual injury. | |||||||||
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4 | Burns readily. Rapidly or completely vaporizes at atmospheric pressure and normal ambient temperature. | ||||||||||
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3 | Capable of detonation or explosive decomposition or explosive reaction but requires a strong initiating source or must be heated under confinement before initiation. | ||||||||||
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(NFPA, 2010)
General Description
PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: A colorless odorless gas. Easily ignited. Vapors are heavier than air. May asphyxiate by the displacement of air. May violently polymerize under prolonged exposure to fire or heat, violently rupturing the container. Under prolonged exposure to fire or heat the containers may rupture violently and rocket. Water insoluble.
Hazards
The
Hazard fields
include
special hazard alerts
air and water
reactions, fire hazards, health hazards, a reactivity profile, and
details about
reactive groups assignments
and
potentially incompatible absorbents.
The information in CAMEO Chemicals comes from a variety of
data sources.
Reactivity Alerts
- Highly Flammable
- Polymerizable
- Peroxidizable Compound
Air & Water Reactions
Flammable. Forms polymeric peroxides that are explosive [Bretherick 1979 p. 164].
Fire Hazard
Special Hazards of Combustion Products: When burned in air, gas forms toxic carbonyl fluoride and hydrogen fluoride.
Behavior in Fire: Vapor is heavier than air and may travel considerable distance to a source of ignition and flash back. Containers may explode. (USCG, 1999)
Behavior in Fire: Vapor is heavier than air and may travel considerable distance to a source of ignition and flash back. Containers may explode. (USCG, 1999)
Health Hazard
Inhalation causes irritation of respiratory system. Contact with eyes causes slight irritation. (USCG, 1999)
Reactivity Profile
TETRAFLUOROETHYLENE reacts with air (oxygen) to form polymeric peroxides that are explosive [Bretherick 1979 p. 164]. Probably susceptible to similar reactions with a number of oxidizing agents.May polymerize violently (inhibitor tends to prevent this reaction). May react violently with aluminum. Contamination of a tetrafluoroethylene gas supply system led to a reaction between the inhibitor, limonene, and the contaminant, iodine pentafluoride. This initiated an explosive polymerization event [MCA Case History No. 1520].
Belongs to the Following Reactive Group(s)
Potentially Incompatible Absorbents
Use caution: Liquids with this reactive group classification have been known to react with the absorbents listed below. More info about absorbents, including situations to watch out for...
- Mineral-Based & Clay-Based Absorbents
- Dirt/Earth
Response Recommendations
The
Response Recommendation fields
include isolation and evacuation distances, as well as recommendations for
firefighting, non-fire response, protective clothing, and first aid. The
information in CAMEO Chemicals comes from a variety of
data sources.
Isolation and Evacuation
Excerpt from ERG Guide 116
[Gases - Flammable (Unstable); polymerization hazard]:
IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area for at least 100 meters (330 feet) in all directions.
LARGE SPILL: Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 800 meters (1/2 mile).
FIRE: If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 1600 meters (1 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 1600 meters (1 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2024)
IMMEDIATE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE: Isolate spill or leak area for at least 100 meters (330 feet) in all directions.
LARGE SPILL: Consider initial downwind evacuation for at least 800 meters (1/2 mile).
FIRE: If tank, rail tank car or highway tank is involved in a fire, ISOLATE for 1600 meters (1 mile) in all directions; also, consider initial evacuation for 1600 meters (1 mile) in all directions. (ERG, 2024)
Firefighting
Excerpt from ERG Guide 116
[Gases - Flammable (Unstable); polymerization hazard]:
DO NOT EXTINGUISH A LEAKING GAS FIRE UNLESS LEAK CAN BE STOPPED.
SMALL FIRE: Dry chemical or CO2.
LARGE FIRE: Water spray or fog. If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire.
FIRE INVOLVING TANKS: Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles. Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. Do not direct water at source of leak or safety devices; icing may occur. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank. ALWAYS stay away from tanks in direct contact with flames. For massive fire, use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles; if this is impossible, withdraw from area and let fire burn. (ERG, 2024)
DO NOT EXTINGUISH A LEAKING GAS FIRE UNLESS LEAK CAN BE STOPPED.
SMALL FIRE: Dry chemical or CO2.
LARGE FIRE: Water spray or fog. If it can be done safely, move undamaged containers away from the area around the fire.
FIRE INVOLVING TANKS: Fight fire from maximum distance or use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles. Cool containers with flooding quantities of water until well after fire is out. Do not direct water at source of leak or safety devices; icing may occur. Withdraw immediately in case of rising sound from venting safety devices or discoloration of tank. ALWAYS stay away from tanks in direct contact with flames. For massive fire, use unmanned master stream devices or monitor nozzles; if this is impossible, withdraw from area and let fire burn. (ERG, 2024)
Non-Fire Response
Excerpt from ERG Guide 116
[Gases - Flammable (Unstable); polymerization hazard]:
ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area. All equipment used when handling the product must be grounded. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Do not touch or walk through spilled material. Do not direct water at spill or source of leak. Use water spray to reduce vapors or divert vapor cloud drift. Avoid allowing water runoff to contact spilled material. If possible, turn leaking containers so that gas escapes rather than liquid. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. Isolate area until gas has dispersed. (ERG, 2024)
ELIMINATE all ignition sources (no smoking, flares, sparks or flames) from immediate area. All equipment used when handling the product must be grounded. Stop leak if you can do it without risk. Do not touch or walk through spilled material. Do not direct water at spill or source of leak. Use water spray to reduce vapors or divert vapor cloud drift. Avoid allowing water runoff to contact spilled material. If possible, turn leaking containers so that gas escapes rather than liquid. Prevent entry into waterways, sewers, basements or confined areas. Isolate area until gas has dispersed. (ERG, 2024)
Protective Clothing
Self-contained breathing apparatus for high gas concentrations (USCG, 1999)
DuPont Tychem® Suit Fabrics
No information available.
First Aid
EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop.
SKIN: CAUTION: Exposure of skin to compressed gases may result in freezing of the skin. Treatment for frostbite may be necessary. Remove the victim from the source of contamination. IMMEDIATELY wash affected areas gently with COLD water (and soap, if necessary) while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Dry carefully with clean, soft towels. If symptoms such as inflammation or irritation develop, IMMEDIATELY call a physician or go to a hospital for treatment.
INHALATION: IMMEDIATELY leave the contaminated area; take deep breaths of fresh air. If symptoms (such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, or burning in the mouth, throat, or chest) develop, call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital. Provide proper respiratory protection to rescuers entering an unknown atmosphere. Whenever possible, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) should be used; if not available, use a level of protection greater than or equal to that advised under Protective Clothing.
INGESTION: This compound is a gas, therefore inhalation is the first route of exposure. (NTP, 1992)
SKIN: CAUTION: Exposure of skin to compressed gases may result in freezing of the skin. Treatment for frostbite may be necessary. Remove the victim from the source of contamination. IMMEDIATELY wash affected areas gently with COLD water (and soap, if necessary) while removing and isolating all contaminated clothing. Dry carefully with clean, soft towels. If symptoms such as inflammation or irritation develop, IMMEDIATELY call a physician or go to a hospital for treatment.
INHALATION: IMMEDIATELY leave the contaminated area; take deep breaths of fresh air. If symptoms (such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, or burning in the mouth, throat, or chest) develop, call a physician and be prepared to transport the victim to a hospital. Provide proper respiratory protection to rescuers entering an unknown atmosphere. Whenever possible, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) should be used; if not available, use a level of protection greater than or equal to that advised under Protective Clothing.
INGESTION: This compound is a gas, therefore inhalation is the first route of exposure. (NTP, 1992)
Physical Properties
The
Physical Property fields
include properties such as vapor pressure and
boiling point, as well as explosive limits and
toxic exposure thresholds
The information in CAMEO Chemicals comes from a variety of
data sources.
Note: For Vapor Density and Specific Gravity, comparing the value to 1.0 can tell you if the chemical will likely sink/rise in air or sink/float in fresh water (respectively). Short phrases have been added to those values below as an aid. However, make sure to also consider the circumstances of a release. The Vapor Density comparisons are only valid when the gas escaping is at the same temperature as the surrounding air itself. If the chemical is escaping from a container where it was pressurized or refrigerated, it may first escape and behave as a heavy gas and sink in the air (even if it has a Vapor Density value less than 1). Also, the Specific Gravity comparisons are for fresh water (density 1.0 g/mL). If your spill is in salt water (density about 1.027 g/mL), you need to adjust the point of comparison. There are some chemicals that will sink in fresh water and float in salt water.
Note: For Vapor Density and Specific Gravity, comparing the value to 1.0 can tell you if the chemical will likely sink/rise in air or sink/float in fresh water (respectively). Short phrases have been added to those values below as an aid. However, make sure to also consider the circumstances of a release. The Vapor Density comparisons are only valid when the gas escaping is at the same temperature as the surrounding air itself. If the chemical is escaping from a container where it was pressurized or refrigerated, it may first escape and behave as a heavy gas and sink in the air (even if it has a Vapor Density value less than 1). Also, the Specific Gravity comparisons are for fresh water (density 1.0 g/mL). If your spill is in salt water (density about 1.027 g/mL), you need to adjust the point of comparison. There are some chemicals that will sink in fresh water and float in salt water.
Chemical Formula: |
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Flash Point: data unavailable
Lower Explosive Limit (LEL):
10 %
(NTP, 1992)
Upper Explosive Limit (UEL):
50 %
(NTP, 1992)
Autoignition Temperature:
370°F
(USCG, 1999)
Melting Point:
-224.5°F
(NTP, 1992)
Vapor Pressure:
22800 mmHg
at 70°F
(NTP, 1992)
Vapor Density (Relative to Air):
3.87
(NTP, 1992)
- Heavier than air; will sink
Specific Gravity:
1.519
at -105°F
(NTP, 1992)
- Denser than water; will sink
Boiling Point:
-105.3°F
at 760 mmHg
(NTP, 1992)
Molecular Weight:
100.02
(NTP, 1992)
Water Solubility:
Insoluble
(NTP, 1992)
Ionization Energy/Potential: data unavailable
IDLH: data unavailable
AEGLs (Acute Exposure Guideline Levels)
Exposure Period | AEGL-1 | AEGL-2 | AEGL-3 |
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10 minutes | 27 ppm | 69 ppm | 420 ppm |
30 minutes | 27 ppm | 69 ppm | 420 ppm |
60 minutes | 22 ppm | 55 ppm | 330 ppm |
4 hours | 14 ppm | 34 ppm | 210 ppm |
8 hours | 9 ppm | 23 ppm | 100 ppm |
(NAC/NRC, 2024)
ERPGs (Emergency Response Planning Guidelines)
Chemical | ERPG-1 | ERPG-2 | ERPG-3 | |
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Tetrafluoroethylene (116-14-3) | 200 ppm | 1000 ppm | 10000 ppm ![]() |
LEL = 100000 ppm |

(AIHA, 2022)
PACs (Protective Action Criteria)
Chemical | PAC-1 | PAC-2 | PAC-3 | |
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Tetrafluoroethylene (116-14-3) | 22 ppm | 55 ppm | 330 ppm | LEL = 100000 ppm |
(DOE, 2024)
Regulatory Information
The
Regulatory Information fields
include information from
the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Title III Consolidated List of
Lists,
the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency's Chemical Facility
Anti-Terrorism Standards,
and the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration's
Process Safety Management of Highly Hazardous Chemicals Standard List
(see more about these
data sources).
EPA Consolidated List of Lists
Regulatory Name | CAS Number/ 313 Category Code |
EPCRA 302 EHS TPQ |
EPCRA 304 EHS RQ |
CERCLA RQ | EPCRA 313 TRI |
RCRA Code |
CAA 112(r) RMP TQ |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ethene, tetrafluoro- | 116-14-3 | 10000 pounds | |||||
Tetrafluoroethylene | 116-14-3 | 313 | 10000 pounds |
(EPA List of Lists, 2024)
CISA Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS)
RELEASE | THEFT | SABOTAGE | ||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Chemical of Interest | CAS Number | Min Conc | STQ | Security Issue |
Min Conc | STQ | Security Issue |
Min Conc | STQ | Security Issue |
Tetrafluoroethylene; [Ethene, tetrafluoro-] | 116-14-3 | 1.00 % | 10000 pounds | flammable |
(CISA, 2007)
OSHA Process Safety Management (PSM) Standard List
Chemical Name | CAS Number | Threshold Quantity (TQ) |
---|---|---|
Tetrafluoroethylene | 116-14-3 | 5000 pounds |
(OSHA, 2019)
Alternate Chemical Names
This section provides a listing of alternate names for this chemical,
including trade names and synonyms.
- ETHENE, TETRAFLUORO-
- ETHYLENE TETRAFLUORIDE
- ETHYLENE, TETRAFLUORO-
- FLUOROPLAST 4
- PERFLUOROETHENE
- PERFLUOROETHYLENE
- R 1114
- TEFLON MONOMER
- TETRAFLUORETHYLENE
- TETRAFLUOROETHENE
- TETRAFLUOROETHYLENE
- TETRAFLUOROETHYLENE MONOMER
- TETRAFLUOROETHYLENE, STABILIZED
- TETRAFLUOROETHYLENE, [STABILIZED]
- 1,1,2,2-TETRAFLUOROETHYLENE
- TFE