1,1,1,2,3,3,3-Heptafluoropropane

1,1,1,2,3,3,3-Heptafluoropropane[1]
IUPAC name 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-Heptafluoropropane
Other names Heptafluoropropane Apaflurane HFC-227ea R-227ea HFC-227
Identifiers
CAS number	431-89-0 Y
PubChem	67940
ChemSpider	61257 Y
UNII	R40P36GDK6 Y
UN number	UN3296
Jmol-3D images	Image 1
SMILES FC(F)(F)C(F)C(F)(F)F
InChI InChI=1S/C3HF7/c4-1(2(5,6)7)3(8,9)10/h1H Y Key: YFMFNYKEUDLDTL-UHFFFAOYSA-N Y InChI=1/C3HF7/c4-1(2(5,6)7)3(8,9)10/h1H Key: YFMFNYKEUDLDTL-UHFFFAOYAL
Properties
Molecular formula	C3HF7
Molar mass	170.03 g/mol
Density	1.46 g/cm³ at -16 °C
Melting point	-131 °C
Boiling point	-16.4 °C
Hazards
NFPA 704	0 1 1
Y (verify) (what is: Y/N?) Except where noted otherwise, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C, 100 kPa)
Infobox references

1,1,1,2,3,3,3-Heptafluoropropane, also called heptafluoropropane, HFC-227 or HFC-227ea (ISO name), is a colourless, odourless gaseous halocarbon commonly used as a gaseous fire suppression agent.

Chemistry

Its chemical formula is CF₃-CHF-CF₃, or C₃HF₇. With a boiling point of -16.4 °C, it is a gas at room temperature. It is slightly soluble in water (260 mg/L).

Use

HFC-227ea finds use in fire suppression systems in data processing and telecommunication facilities, and in protection of many flammable liquids and gases. HFC-227ea falls in the category of Clean Agents and is governed by NFPA 2001 - Standard for Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing Systems. Effective fire suppression requires introducing a concentration of the HFC-227ea agent between 6.25% and 9% depending on the hazard being protected. Its NOAEL level for cardiac sensitization is 9%. The United States Environmental Protection Agency allows concentration of 9% volume in occupied spaces without mandated egress time, or up to 10.5% for a limited time. Most fire suppression systems are designed to provide concentration of 6.25-9%.

The HFC-227ea fire suppression agent was the first non-ozone depleting replacement for Halon 1301. In addition, HFC-227ea leaves no residue on valuable equipment after discharge.^[2]

HFC-227ea contains no chlorine or bromine atoms, presenting no ozone depletion effect. Its atmospheric lifetime is approximated between 31 and 42 years. It leaves no residue or oily deposits and can be removed by ventilation of the affected space.

As an aerosol propellant, HFC-227ea is used in pharmaceutical metered dose inhalers such as those used for dispensing asthma medication.

Safety

At high temperatures, heptafluoropropane will decompose and produce hydrogen fluoride. This is observable as presence of sharp, pungent odour, which can be perceived in concentrations far below a dangerous level. Other decomposition products include carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. Prior to re-entry of a room where HFC-227ea system has been activated to suppress a fire, the atmosphere should be tested.

Contact with liquid HFC-227ea may cause frostbite.

Tradenames for HFC-227ea used as fire suppression agent

• FE-227 FM-200 (Dupont)
• Solkaflam 227 (Solvay Fluor)
• MH-227 (Shanghai Waysmos)
• NAF S 227 (Safety Hi-Tech)

See also

Other fire suppression agents:

• HFC-125
• ECARO-25
• Argonite
• FE-13
• Novec 1230
• Halon 1211
• Halon 1301
• Inergen

References

• Sinerji Fire Protection Product Page (Archived 2009-04-25)

1. ^ NIST datapage for heptafluoropropane
2. ^ Fike FE-227 Product Page

External links

• MSDS for heptafluoropropane
• MSDS for heptafluoropropane