perfluoroalkanesulfonic

Perfluoroalkanesulfonic acid, often abbreviated as PFSA, refers to a class of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) characterized by a sulfonate functional group attached to a perfluorinated alkyl chain. The perfluorinated nature means that all hydrogen atoms on the carbon chain have been replaced by fluorine atoms. This extensive fluorination imparts unique chemical and physical properties to these compounds, including high thermal stability, chemical inertness, and strong hydrophobicity and oleophobicity.

PFASAs and their salts are widely used in various industrial and consumer applications due to these properties. They act as surfactants, wetting agents, and emulsifiers in products like firefighting foams, stain-repellent coatings for textiles and paper, and in some electronic manufacturing processes. The sulfonate group provides a polar head, making them effective in reducing surface tension.

However, the same stability that makes PFASAs useful also contributes to their persistence in the environment, leading to concerns about their bioaccumulation and potential adverse health effects. Research into their environmental fate, toxicological profiles, and remediation strategies is ongoing. Their classification as PFAS places them under scrutiny as regulatory bodies worldwide work to address the broader issue of these "forever chemicals."