1,1,2,2-Tetrafluoroethyl methyl ether
[CAS# 425-88-7]

Identification

• Classification: Chemical reagent >> Organic reagent >> Ether
• Name: 1,1,2,2-Tetrafluoroethyl methyl ether
• Synonyms: Methyl 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethyl ether
• Molecular Formula: C₃H₄F₄O
• Molecular Weight: 132.06
• CAS Registry Number: 425-88-7
• EC Number: 207-039-4
• SMILES: COC(C(F)F)(F)F

Properties

• Density: 1.294 g/mL
• Melting point: -107 °C
• Boiling point: 36-37 °C
• Flash point: -20 °C
• Refractive index: 1.2939

Safety Data

• Hazard Symbols: GHS02;GHS07 Danger
• Risk Statements: H225-H315-H319
• Safety Statements: P210-P233-P240-P241-P242-P243-P264-P264+P265-P280-P302+P352-P303+P361+P353-P305+P351+P338-P321-P332+P317-P337+P317-P362+P364-P370+P378-P403+P235-P501

Hazard Classification

Hazard	Class	Category Code	Hazard Statement
Eye irritation	Eye Irrit.	2	H319
Flammable liquids	Flam. Liq.	2	H225
Skin irritation	Skin Irrit.	2	H315

Discovery and Applications

1,1,2,2-Tetrafluoroethyl methyl ether is a chemical compound with a structure featuring both ether and fluoroalkyl groups. The introduction of fluorine atoms into organic compounds imparts unique properties such as enhanced chemical stability, low reactivity, and high thermal resistance, making this ether a valuable material in various industrial and chemical applications.

The discovery of 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethyl methyl ether came from the ongoing exploration of fluorinated compounds, driven by the need for new materials with improved performance in both chemical and environmental contexts. The compound's structure, with four fluorine atoms attached to the ethyl group, provides it with desirable properties such as low toxicity and volatility, making it suitable for specialized applications.

One of the primary uses of 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethyl methyl ether is in the electronics industry, where its stability and low reactivity are critical. Fluorinated ethers like this one are often employed as solvents or as intermediates in the production of advanced electronic materials. These ethers are also investigated for their use in dielectric fluids due to their high thermal stability and low dielectric constants, which are crucial for applications in high-performance electronics.

In organic synthesis, 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethyl methyl ether is utilized as a solvent or reagent. Its chemical properties allow for selective reactions that are difficult to achieve with other solvents. The fluoroalkyl group can also be introduced into larger molecules to impart specific characteristics such as hydrophobicity, chemical resistance, or enhanced metabolic stability, which are desirable traits in pharmaceutical compounds and specialty chemicals.

The compound's relatively low toxicity and environmental impact compared to other fluorinated chemicals make it a candidate for applications where both safety and performance are paramount. In the pharmaceutical industry, for example, fluorinated compounds are frequently employed in drug design due to their ability to increase bioavailability and enhance the metabolic stability of therapeutic agents.

References

2023. Review on Low-Temperature Electrolytes for Lithium-Ion and Lithium Metal Batteries. Electrochemical Energy Reviews, 6(1).
DOI: 10.1007/s41918-023-00199-1

2022. Protecting Li Metal Anode While Suppressing “Shuttle Effect” of Li-S Battery Through Localized High-Concentration Electrolyte. Journal of Electronic Materials, 51(10).
DOI: 10.1007/s11664-022-09751-z

2011. 282 C3H4F4O 1,1,2,2-Tetrafluoro-1-methoxyethane. Landolt-Börnstein - Group II Molecules and Radicals.
DOI: 10.1007/978-3-642-10400-8_30