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Chemical Datasheet

1,1-DIFLUOROETHYLENE

2.1 - Flammable gas

Chemical Identifiers

CAS Number UN/NA Number DOT Hazard Label USCG CHRIS Code
  • 75-38-7   (1,1-DIFLUOROETHYLENE)
  • 1959
  • Flammable Gas
none
NIOSH Pocket Guide International Chem Safety Card
Vinylidene fluoride
  • VINYLIDENE FLUORIDE
NFPA 704
Diamond Hazard Value Description
4
1 2
Blue Health 1 Can cause significant irritation.
Red Flammability 4 Burns readily. Rapidly or completely vaporizes at atmospheric pressure and normal ambient temperature.
Yellow Instability 2 Readily undergoes violent chemical changes at elevated temperatures and pressures.
White Special
(NFPA, 2010)
General Description
1,1-Difluoroethylene (or vinylidene fluoride) is a colorless gas which is flammable in the ranges of 5.5 to 21%. It is toxic by inhalation and contact. It is slightly soluble in water and soluble in alcohol and ether. Under prolonged exposure to fire or intense heat the containers may rupture violently and rocket.

Hazards

Reactivity Alerts
Air & Water Reactions
Highly flammable. Slightly soluble in water.
Fire Hazard
Excerpt from ERG Guide 116 Polymerizable warning [Gases - Flammable (Unstable); polymerization hazard]:

EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE. Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames. Will form explosive mixtures with air. Acetylene (UN1001, UN3374) may react explosively even in the absence of air. Disilane (UN3553) and Silane (UN2203) will ignite spontaneously in air and may re-ignite. Those substances designated with a (P) may polymerize explosively when heated or involved in a fire. Vapors from liquefied gas are initially heavier than air and spread along ground. Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back. Cylinders exposed to fire may vent and release flammable gas through pressure relief devices. Containers may explode when heated. Ruptured cylinders may rocket. (ERG, 2024)
Health Hazard
Excerpt from ERG Guide 116 Polymerizable warning [Gases - Flammable (Unstable); polymerization hazard]:

Vapors may cause dizziness or asphyxiation without warning, especially when in closed or confined areas. Some may be toxic if inhaled at high concentrations. Contact with gas or liquefied gas may cause burns, severe injury and/or frostbite. Fire may produce irritating and/or toxic gases. (ERG, 2024)
Reactivity Profile
1,1-DIFLUOROETHYLENE is sensitive to heat. This compound is incompatible with oxidizers. It can react violently with hydrogen chloride. Alkyl boron and alkyl hyponitrite compounds initiate polymerization. It will form peroxides on exposure to pure oxygen. (NTP, 1992).
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 absorbent listed below.

Response Recommendations

Isolation and Evacuation
Excerpt from ERG Guide 116 Polymerizable warning [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)
Firefighting
Excerpt from ERG Guide 116 Polymerizable warning [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)
Non-Fire Response
Excerpt from ERG Guide 116 Polymerizable warning [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)
Protective Clothing
Excerpt from NIOSH Pocket Guide for Vinylidene fluoride:

Skin: FROSTBITE - Compressed gases may create low temperatures when they expand rapidly. Leaks and uses that allow rapid expansion may cause a frostbite hazard. Wear appropriate personal protective clothing to prevent the skin from becoming frozen.

Eyes: FROSTBITE - Wear appropriate eye protection to prevent eye contact with the liquid that could result in burns or tissue damage from frostbite.

Wash skin: No recommendation is made specifying the need for washing the substance from the skin (either immediately or at the end of the work shift).

Remove: WHEN WET (FLAMMABLE) - Work clothing that becomes wet should be immediately removed due to its flammability hazard (i.e., for liquids with a flash point <100°F).

Change: No recommendation is made specifying the need for the worker to change clothing after the workshift.

Provide: FROSTBITE WASH - Quick drench facilities and/or eyewash fountains should be provided within the immediate work area for emergency use where there is any possibility of exposure to liquids that are extremely cold or rapidly evaporating. (NIOSH, 2024)
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)

Physical Properties

Chemical Formula:
  • C2H2F2
Flash Point: data unavailable
Lower Explosive Limit (LEL): 5.5 % (NTP, 1992)
Upper Explosive Limit (UEL): 21.3 % (NTP, 1992)
Autoignition Temperature: 1184°F (NTP, 1992)
Melting Point: -227°F (NTP, 1992)
Vapor Pressure: 21584 mmHg at 50°F ; 26980 mmHg at 68°F (NTP, 1992)
Vapor Density (Relative to Air): 2.2 (NTP, 1992) - Heavier than air; will sink
Specific Gravity: 0.617 at 75°F (liquid) (NTP, 1992) - Less dense than water; will float
Boiling Point: -123°F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992)
Molecular Weight: 64.04 (NTP, 1992)
Water Solubility: 0.018 g/100 g at 77°F and 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992)
Ionization Energy/Potential: 10.29 eV (NIOSH, 2024)
IDLH: data unavailable

AEGLs (Acute Exposure Guideline Levels)

No AEGL information available.

ERPGs (Emergency Response Planning Guidelines)

No ERPG information available.

PACs (Protective Action Criteria)

Chemical PAC-1 PAC-2 PAC-3
Vinylidene fluoride; (1,1-Difluoroethene) (75-38-7) 1500 ppm 5600 ppm 1-flame icon indicates value is 10-49% of LEL. 11000 ppm 1-flame icon indicates value is 10-49% of LEL. LEL = 55000 ppm
1-flame icon indicates value is 10-49% of LEL.
(DOE, 2024)

Regulatory Information

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, 1,1-difluoro- 75-38-7 10000 pounds
Vinylidene fluoride 75-38-7 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
Vinylidene fluoride; [Ethene, 1,1-difluoro-] 75-38-7 1.00 % 10000 pounds flammable

(CISA, 2007)

OSHA Process Safety Management (PSM) Standard List

No regulatory information available.

Alternate Chemical Names