C3F7

C3F7 is a chemical fragment, not a standalone stable molecule. It represents a heptaf Luoropropyl group, where a propyl group (three carbon atoms) is fully saturated with fluorine atoms. This structural unit is commonly found as a substituent in various perfluorinated organic compounds. For example, it can be attached to other functional groups or carbon chains to form larger molecules with specific properties.

The presence of the C3F7 group imparts significant characteristics to the molecules it is part of. These include increased thermal and chemical stability due to the strong carbon-fluorine bonds. Perfluorinated compounds containing this group often exhibit low surface tension, hydrophobicity (water repellency), and oleophobicity (oil repellency). They are also typically non-flammable and have low refractive indices.

These properties make C3F7-containing compounds useful in a range of applications. They are found in surfactants, lubricants, refrigerants, fire suppression agents, and as components in coatings and sealants. The specific properties and applications depend heavily on the complete molecular structure, with the C3F7 group being just one part of the overall chemical entity. Due to their stability, some perfluorinated compounds can persist in the environment, leading to ongoing research into their environmental fate and potential alternatives.