428-59-1 | Hexafluoropropylene oxide

CAS:428-59-1 | Hexafluoropropylene oxide ,Description

Hexafluoropropylene oxide (HFPO) is a chemical compound that has gained significant attention in the scientific community due to its unique properties and potential applications. HFPO is a colorless liquid with a boiling point of 58°C and a molecular weight of 166.02 g/mol. It is a highly reactive compound that is used in a variety of industrial and research applications, including as a precursor for the synthesis of perfluorinated compounds.
 

Scientific Research Applications

Electrochemical Treatment and Water Purification

Hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HFPO-DA), a derivative of hexafluoropropylene oxide (HFPO), is studied for its removal from water. HFPO-DA, known as GenX, is a persistent chemical challenging to degrade due to its robust carbon-fluorine bonds. Research demonstrates efficient removal using a combination of nanofiltration and electrochemical oxidation. Nanofiltration membranes like NF90 can remove 99.5% of HFPO-DA from contaminated water, while subsequent electrochemical treatment significantly reduces energy and electrode costs. This method offers a sustainable and cost-effective solution for eliminating HFPO-DA and similar substances from water sources (Pica et al., 2019).

Degradation and Environmental Risk

HFPO oligomer acids, including HFPO dimer, trimer, and tetramer acids (HFPO-DA, HFPO-TA, and HFPO-TeA), are PFOA alternatives used in fluoropolymer production. These compounds have been detected globally in water sources and pose a higher ecological risk than PFOA. HFPO-DA, in particular, resists oxidation, making its removal more challenging. Studies have shown that HFPO-TA and HFPO-TeA can be oxidized using UV/persulfate due to their different molecular configurations. However, this process risks generating HFPO-DA as a byproduct. Conversely, a UV/sulfite system effectively degrades HFPO-TA and HFPO-TeA without byproduct accumulation. Thus, a combination of nanofiltration and UV/sulfite reduction is proposed as a viable approach for removing HFPO oligomer acids from drinking water (Bao et al., 2020).

Industrial Applications and Polymer Synthesis

HFPO is used in various industrial applications, particularly in the synthesis of polymers. Research in this area focuses on understanding the polymerization processes of HFPO, leading to the creation of polymers with exceptional thermal and chemical resistance. These polymers can undergo a range of chemical reactions at their acyl fluoride end groups, facilitating the synthesis of high polymers for specialized applications. Mechanistic and kinetic studies provide insights into the conditions needed for the controlled synthesis of poly-HFPO and its derivatives, which have significant industrial potential (Hill, 1974).

Destruction of Chemical Warfare Agents

Research also explores the use of HFPO in the destruction of chemical warfare agent mimics. Nanoscale magnesium oxide powders can destructively adsorb HFPO, producing compounds like MgF2, CO, CO2, and graphite. This reaction, effective at specific temperatures and surface oxide-to-HFP ratios, holds potential for neutralizing hazardous substances, including chemical warfare agents, through environmentally friendly methods (Lucas & Klabunde, 1999).

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