tetrafluoromethane

Tetrafluoromethane, also known as carbon tetrafluoride, is an inorganic compound with the formula CF4. It consists of one carbon atom tetrahedrally bonded to four fluorine atoms. It is a colorless, odorless gas at room temperature and pressure, nonflammable, and chemically very inert under ambient conditions.

Physical properties include a molecular weight of 88.00 g/mol. It boils at −128.0 °C and freezes at about −183 °C. At standard conditions its density is around 3.7 g/L, making it denser than air. The molecule is tetrahedral and nonpolar, with little solubility in water or many common solvents.

Production and applications: CF4 is produced by direct fluorination of carbon-containing materials, such as methane, with fluorine gas. It is used industrially as a fluorinating and etching agent, particularly in semiconductor manufacturing where it is employed in plasma etching to pattern silicon and silicon dioxide films. It can also serve as an inert purge gas in certain processes.

Environmental and safety aspects: CF4 is a potent greenhouse gas with a very long atmospheric lifetime and high global warming potential, contributing to climate change even at very low concentrations. It is released during various industrial processes, including aluminum production and electronics fabrication. In the air it behaves as a heavy, inert gas; exposure at high concentrations can cause asphyxiation. It is non-toxic but can displace oxygen in confined spaces; handle with adequate ventilation and proper cylinder handling.