tetrafluoroetyleenin

Tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) is a colorless gas with the chemical formula C2F4. It is a fluorocarbon and is the monomer from which polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), commonly known as Teflon, is produced. TFE is a flammable gas and can polymerize explosively if not inhibited. It is synthesized industrially by the pyrolysis of chlorodifluoromethane (CHClF2).

The primary use of tetrafluoroethylene is as a building block for polymers, most notably PTFE. PTFE is renowned for its non-stick properties, chemical inertness, and high thermal stability, making it useful in cookware, industrial coatings, and electrical insulation. Other fluoropolymers, such as copolymers of TFE with hexafluoropropylene (FEP) and perfluoroalkoxy alkanes (PFA), are also derived from TFE and share many of its desirable properties, though with variations in melt processability.

Tetrafluoroethylene itself is a reactive compound. It undergoes addition polymerization readily. Under certain conditions, such as exposure to heat or initiation, it can undergo rapid and uncontrolled polymerization, which can be hazardous. Due to its reactivity and potential for explosive polymerization, TFE is typically stored and transported with inhibitors to prevent premature reactions. Its handling requires specialized safety precautions.