Perfluorobutane (PFB) is an inert, high-density colorless gas. It is a simple fluorocarbon with a n-butane skeleton and all the hydrogen atoms replaced with fluorine atoms.
Perfluorobutane can replace Halon 1301 in fire extinguishers,[1] as well as the gas component for newer generation microbubble ultrasound contrast agents. Sonazoid[2] is one such microbubble formulation developed by Amersham Health that uses perfluorobutane for the gas core.
Due to its inert nature and high density, inhaling perfluorobutane makes one's voice deeper. Caution is adviced as heavier gases are difficult to breathe out and may cause Inert gas asphyxiation.
If perfluorobutane is released to the environment, it will not be broken down in air. It is not expected to be broken down by sunlight. It will move into air from soil and water surfaces. If it is exposed to conditions of extreme heat from misuse, equipment failure, etc., toxic decomposition products including hydrogen fluoride can be produced.[3]
Perfluorobutane has an estimated lifetime greater than 2600 years. Perfluorobutane has a high global warming potential value of 4800.[4] Its ozone depletion potential is zero.