Raw material Perfluorodecalin

Perfluorodecalin More Info

1. Product Overview

Perfluorodecalin (PFD) is a high-density, inert, and transparent perfluorocarbon liquid (PFCL) that has become an indispensable tool in various scientific and medical applications . It is a fluorocarbon derivative of decalin in which all hydrogen atoms are replaced by fluorine atoms .

2. Chemical Information

Perfluorodecalin is chemically known as octadecafluorodecahydronaphthalene, which is a mixture of cis- and trans- isomers . Alternative names include Perfluorobicyclo[4.4.0]decane, Perflunafene, and Perfluorodecahydronaphthalene .

The chemical identifiers are:

CAS Number: 306-94-5

Molecular Formula: C₁₀F₁₈

Molecular Weight: 462.08 g/mol

EINECS No.: 206-192-4

3. Physical and Chemical Properties

Perfluorodecalin appears as a colorless, transparent, odorless and tasteless liquid . It is insoluble in water but soluble in low polar solvents such as acetone and ethanol, as well as aliphatic hydrocarbons and chlorinated hydrocarbons .

Key physical parameters include:

Melting Point: -5°C to -10°C

Boiling Point: 142°C at 101 kPa

Density: 1.908-1.941 g/mL at 20°C

Specific Gravity: Greater than water

Vapor Pressure: 0.88 kPa at 25°C

Kinematic Viscosity: 2.63-2.66 mm²/s

Dynamic Viscosity: 5.1 mPa·s

Refractive Index: 1.313-1.3145 (n²⁰/D)

Oxygen Solubility: 50 mL O₂ per 100 mL substance

Flammability: Non-flammable and not explosive

Thermal Stability: Stable up to 400°C decomposition temperature

4. Applications

4.1 Biomedical Applications

Perfluorodecalin serves multiple purposes in medical fields:

Blood Substitute: It is used as an inert supporter and gas-carrying component in blood substitute formulations . The first Russian blood substituent "Perfortan™" is represented as a 26-30% water emulsion of perfluorodecalin with additives .

Ophthalmic Surgery: This high-density, transparent PFCL liquid is used as an indispensable tool in vitreoretinal surgery for manipulation and stabilization of the retina during complex surgical procedures . Leading ophthalmic medical companies such as Alchimia in Italy utilize PFD for ophthalmic surgical and eye bank medical devices .

Tissue Preservation: It is used as a perfusion medium for preserving transplanted organs .

Topical Applications: It serves as one of the determinative components in liposomal creams including anti-burn, regenerative, anti-inflammatory, and intimate creams, as well as liquid for burns treatment .

Oxygen Carrier: The ultrafine emulsion of PFD with other perfluorinated compounds has good oxygen carrying capacity—oxygen solubility is 20 times that of water and 2 times higher than blood .

4.2 Chemical and Industrial Applications

Synthetic Chemistry: It is generally used as a primary component of the fluorous biphasic system (FBS) or fluorous multiphasic system (FMS) in synthetic chemistry .

Fermentation Industry: It is used as an additive to increase oxygen solubility in fermentation media .

Microorganism Growth: It is used as a medium for growth of microorganisms .

Electronics and Pharmaceuticals: It is applied in electronics, pharmaceuticals, and material synthesis .

4.3 Analytical Applications

It is used as an inert supporter in pharmaceutical reactions and analyses .

5. Manufacturing and Purity

Technical perfluorodecalin is obtained through the formation of a naphthalene mixture in decalin at 350°C using cobalt trifluoride . The commercial product typically consists of a mixture of cis- and trans-isomers in a ratio of approximately 1:1 (93-95%) .

For medical applications, the purity requirements are higher. Pharmaceutical grade requires ≥98% purity , while medical preparation grade requires ≥99.9% purity . The purification process uses low-temperature crystallization methods with organic compounds (diluents) to achieve high purity levels .

6. Storage and Handling

Perfluorodecalin should be stored below +30°C . The packaging typically uses glass bottles . It is not flammable and has no oxidizing properties .

7. Safety Considerations

Perfluorodecalin is a nontoxic, non-flammable, non-explosive substance . However, as a perfluorinated compound (PFAS), it may significantly contribute to global warming due to its highly radiative efficiency and global warming potential (GWP) . For medical use, high purity is essential as high doses up to 100 g per single dose in blood channel require extreme purity standards . The substance should be handled with appropriate safety precautions .

8. Available Grades and Specifications

Technical Grade: 93-95% purity for industrial applications

Pharmaceutical Grade: ≥98% purity for medical products

Medical Grade: ≥99.9% purity for blood substitutes and surgical applications

Cosmetic Grade: ≥95% purity for cosmetics ingredients