Perfluorotributylamine

Perfluorotributylamine, often abbreviated as PFTBA, is a synthetic chemical compound belonging to the perfluorocarbon family. Its chemical formula is C12F27N. It is characterized by a structure where all hydrogen atoms in tributylamine have been replaced by fluorine atoms. This extensive fluorination imparts unique properties to the molecule.

PFTBA is known for its exceptional chemical inertness, thermal stability, and very low surface tension. It is also a very good electrical insulator and has a high density. Due to these properties, it has found limited industrial applications. Historically, it was investigated for use as a blood substitute, a potential oxygen carrier in medical applications, due to its ability to dissolve significant amounts of gases. However, practical challenges and the development of other technologies have largely limited its widespread medical use.

It has also been considered for use in specialized cooling fluids and as a component in certain electronic testing equipment. The environmental persistence of perfluorinated compounds, including PFTBA, is a subject of ongoing research and concern, as they can remain in the environment for extended periods without readily breaking down.