Hexafluoroethane

Hexafluoroethane, also known as R-116 or C2F6, is a fluorinated alkane with the chemical formula C2F6. It is a colorless, odorless, and non-flammable gas. Hexafluoroethane is a strong greenhouse gas and has a very long atmospheric lifetime. It is produced through various industrial processes, often as a byproduct of fluorocarbon manufacturing.

Industrially, hexafluoroethane finds applications as a dielectric gas in high-voltage electrical equipment, such as transformers and circuit breakers, due to its excellent insulating properties. It is also used as a plasma etching gas in the semiconductor industry, facilitating the precise removal of material from silicon wafers during microchip fabrication. In some niche applications, it can be used as a refrigerant, though its potent greenhouse gas potential limits its widespread use in this capacity.

Due to its environmental persistence and high global warming potential, the use and emission of hexafluoroethane are subject to international regulations and agreements aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Its inert nature means it is not readily broken down in the environment, contributing to its long atmospheric lifespan.