Perfluorotripropylamine
[CAS# 338-83-0]

Identification

• Classification: API >> Circulatory system medication
• Name: Perfluorotripropylamine
• Synonyms: 1,1,2,2,3,3,3-Heptafluoro-N,N-bis(heptafluoropropyl)-1-propanamine; FC-3283
• Molecular Formula: C₉F₂₁N
• Molecular Weight: 521.07
• CAS Registry Number: 338-83-0
• EC Number: 206-420-2
• SMILES: C(C(N(C(C(C(F)(F)F)(F)F)(F)F)C(C(C(F)(F)F)(F)F)(F)F)(F)F)(C(F)(F)F)(F)F

Properties

• Density: 1.7±0.1 g/cm³ Calc.^*
• Boiling point: 130.0±35.0 °C 760 mmHg (Calc.)^*, 125 - 135 °C (Expl.)
• Flash point: 32.4±25.9 °C (Calc.)^*
• Index of refraction: 1.269 (Calc.)^*

^* Calculated using Advanced Chemistry Development (ACD/Labs) Software.

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS06;GHS07 Danger
• Risk Statements: H302-H311-H319
• Safety Statements: P262-P264-P264+P265-P270-P280-P301+P317-P302+P352-P305+P351+P338-P316-P321-P330-P337+P317-P361+P364-P405-P501

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	3	H311
Eye irritation	Eye Irrit.	2	H319
Acute toxicity	Acute Tox.	4	H302

Discovery and Applications

Perfluorotripropylamine is a perfluorinated tertiary amine with the molecular formula C₉F₂₁N. Structurally, it consists of a nitrogen atom bonded to three perfluoropropyl groups (–C₃F₇), in which all hydrogen atoms of the propyl chains are replaced by fluorine atoms. This complete fluorination imparts exceptional chemical and thermal stability, as well as low polarizability and high hydrophobicity. The compound is typically a colorless, inert liquid with low viscosity and negligible flammability.

Perfluorotripropylamine is primarily used as a specialty fluid and heat transfer medium in industrial and research applications. Its thermal stability, chemical inertness, and low toxicity make it suitable for use in electronic cooling, high-voltage insulation, and precision heat transfer systems where conventional fluids may degrade. The compound’s high gas solubility and low surface tension are advantageous in applications such as fire suppression, dielectric fluids, and specialized vapor phase processes.

Due to its perfluorinated structure, perfluorotripropylamine exhibits remarkable resistance to oxidation, hydrolysis, and other chemical reactions. This property, combined with its low reactivity toward metals and polymers, allows it to function in aggressive chemical environments without decomposition or corrosion.

Perfluorotripropylamine is typically synthesized by exhaustive fluorination of the corresponding tripropylamine using elemental fluorine or other fluorinating agents under controlled conditions. The process requires specialized equipment due to the high reactivity of fluorine gas and the need to maintain product integrity.

Overall, perfluorotripropylamine is a chemically inert, thermally stable perfluorinated amine with wide applications in heat transfer, electronic cooling, and specialty industrial processes. Its unique combination of low polarity, chemical resistance, and thermal stability makes it a valuable fluid in applications requiring long-term stability and safety under demanding conditions.

References

2024. Perfluorodecalin allows resuspension and prevents sediment solidification of extended-release drug formulations in primary packaging. Drug Delivery and Translational Research.
DOI: 10.1007/s13346-024-01598-7

2024. Blood Substitutes with Gas Transfer Function. Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine, 177(1).
DOI: 10.1007/s10517-024-06094-z

2024. Perfluorocarbon-based artificial oxygen carriers for red blood cell substitutes: considerations and direction of technology. Journal of Pharmaceutical Investigation, 54(3).
DOI: 10.1007/s40005-024-00665-y