Fluorotelomers

Fluorotelomers are a class of chemicals that contain a fluorinated "head" and a hydrocarbon "tail." The term "telomer" refers to the repeating structure of these molecules, where a monomer unit is polymerized a limited number of times. In the case of fluorotelomers, the monomer is typically a fluorinated alkene. These compounds are often used as building blocks for creating other fluorochemicals.

The unique properties of fluorotelomers, such as their water and oil repellency and thermal stability, make them useful in various applications. They are employed in the production of stain-resistant fabrics, firefighting foams, and coatings for paper and food packaging. The length of the fluorinated chain and the hydrocarbon tail can be varied to tailor the properties of the resulting fluorotelomer for specific uses.

However, concerns have been raised regarding the environmental persistence and potential health effects of some fluorotelomers and their degradation products. Under certain environmental conditions, fluorotelomers can break down into perfluorinated carboxylic acids (PFCAs), such as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), which are known to be persistent and bioaccumulative. Research is ongoing to understand the full lifecycle and impact of these chemicals. Regulatory bodies in various countries are evaluating and, in some cases, restricting the use of certain fluorotelomer-based substances due to these concerns.