Hydrofluoroether

Hydrofluoroethers (HFE) are a class of organic solvents. As non-ozone-depleting chemicals, they were developed originally as a replacement for CFCs, HFCs, HCFCs, and PFCs.[1] They are typically colorless, odorless, tasteless, low toxicity, low viscosity, and liquid at room temperature. The boiling point of HFEs vary from 50 °C to nearly 100 °C. Although 3M first developed HFEs, other manufacturers have begun producing them.

Applications

Industrial uses are many and varied, including:

  • Vapor de-greasing solvent
  • Refrigerant and heat-transfer fluid
  • Anhydrous fluid cleaner

They are sometimes applied as blends such as HFE 7100, which is a mixture of methyl nonafluorobutyl ether (methoxyperfluorobutane) and methyl nonafluoroisobutyl ether.[2]

3M produces hydrofluoroether compounds under the names Novec 7000, 7100, 7200, 7300, 7500, and 7700 as liquid coolants for many applications including full immersion cooling of computer electronics.[3]

Environmental Impact

Due to high molecular weights, HFEs remain in the atmosphere for less than two weeks, being absorbed into the ground rather than remaining dissolved in the atmosphere. Although HFEs are greenhouse gases, the EPA does not regulate their use due to the short atmospheric lifetimes and zero ozone depletion potential compared to alternative chemicals.[4]

See also

References
  1. "earthscape.org". Archived from the original on 2002-11-30. Retrieved 2009-03-17.
  2. "Novec HFE-7100 MSDS" (PDF). Pioneer Forensics. Retrieved 22 July 2020.
  3. "Immersion cooling for data centers". 3M. Retrieved 7 April 2021.
  4. "products3.3m.com". Archived from the original on 2009-04-04. Retrieved 2009-03-17.
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