Fluorochemical

Fluorochemical refers to chemical compounds that contain fluorine, typically with carbon-fluorine bonds. The term covers a broad range of substances, including fluorinated inorganic compounds, organic fluorinated compounds, and fluoropolymers. Fluorochemicals are valued for high chemical and thermal stability, resistance to solvents and acids, and in many cases very low surface energy or dielectric properties.

Many fluorochemicals are produced by direct fluorination using elemental fluorine, by electrochemical fluorination (the Simons process), or by specialized carbon–fluorine bond-forming reactions. The fluorine atom can strongly reduce reactivity and increase oxidation resistance, leading to compounds with low surface energy, high thermal stability, or specialized electronic properties. At the same time, some fluorochemicals—especially long-chain perfluoroalkyl substances—are persistent in the environment and can accumulate in living organisms.

Common applications include refrigerants and solvents, fluoropolymers such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and fluorinated polymers like PVDF and FEP, surface-active fluorinated surfactants, lubricants, coatings, and certain specialty chemicals used in electronics and healthcare.

Environmental and regulatory considerations have grown since the late 20th century, with particular concern about PFAS persistence and bioaccumulation. Many regions regulate or ban certain long-chain PFAS, promote phaseouts or substitutions with shorter-chain or alternative chemistries, and require safer handling and lifecycle management. Ongoing research seeks safer fluorinated materials and more sustainable production methods.