C6F13SO3H

C6F13SO3H, also known as perfluorohexanesulfonic acid, is a chemical compound belonging to the perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) family. It is characterized by a six-carbon perfluorinated chain and a sulfonic acid functional group. The fluorine atoms completely replace hydrogen atoms on the carbon chain, leading to a highly stable molecule.

This compound and its salts have historically been used in various industrial applications due to their unique properties. These properties include resistance to heat, water, and oil, as well as their surfactant capabilities. They have been found in products such as firefighting foams, coatings for textiles and paper, and in some metal plating processes.

However, like many other PFAS compounds, C6F13SO3H has raised environmental and health concerns. Its extreme stability means it persists in the environment for very long periods, earning it the designation of a "forever chemical." Studies have investigated its potential for bioaccumulation and its presence in environmental samples and biological tissues. Regulatory bodies worldwide have been increasingly scrutinizing and restricting the use of PFAS, including C6F13SO3H, due to these concerns. Research continues to understand its environmental fate, toxicity, and to develop safer alternatives.