Perfluoro-1,3-dimethylcyclohexane explained

Perfluoro-1,3-dimethylcyclohexane is a fluorocarbon liquid - a perfluorinated derivative of the hydrocarbon 1,3-dimethylcyclohexane. It is chemically and biologically inert.

Manufacture

Perfluoro-1,3-dimethylcyclohexane can be manufactured by the Fowler process, which involves moderating the action of elemental fluorine with cobalt fluoride in the gas phase from meta-xylene. This is preferred as the starting material over 1,3-dimethylcyclohexane as less fluorine is required.^[1]

Properties

Perfluoro-1,3-dimethylcyclohexane is chemically inert and thermally stable (to over 400 °C).

It is a clear, colorless liquid, with a relatively high density, low viscosity and low surface tension that will rapidly evaporate. It is a relatively good solvent for gases, but a poor solvent for solids and liquids.^[2]

In common with other cyclic perfluorocarbons, perfluoro-1,3-dimethylcyclohexane can be detected at extremely low concentrations, making it ideal as a tracer.^[3]

Applications

• Heat transfer agent
• Dielectric fluid
• Perfluorocarbon tracer

Notes and References

1. Sandford G . Perfluoroalkanes . Tetrahedron . 59 . 437–454 . 2003 . 4. 10.1016/s0040-4020(02)01568-5.
2. Web site: Solubility in Liquids . F2 Chemicals.
3. Femtogram detection of perfluorocarbon tracers using capillary gas chromatography-electron-capture negative ion chemical ionisation mass spectrometry. . 1988 . Begley P1 . Foulger B . Simmonds P. . J. Chromatogr. . 445 . 1 . 119–128 . 10.1016/s0021-9673(01)84513-1. 3215967 .