What is Hexafluoroacetone?

Hexafluoroacetone (CF₃-CO-CF₃) is an organic compound. It is colourless, absorbent, non-flammable, highly reactive gas and it has a musty smell. Hexafluoroacetone sesquihydrate (1.5 H2O) is the most common form of this substance. Hexafluoroacetone is highly reactive in nature; it reacts vigorously with water to form corrosive acids and in the presence of humidity, the reaction of hexafluoroacetone with most metals will generate white fumes of hydrogen gas. Hexafluoroacetone will also undergo violent reactions in the presence of alkali.

What is Hexafluoroacetone used for?

Hexafluoroacetone is mostly used in organic synthesis; however, it is also an important chemical intermediate used in the production of hexafluoroisopropanol, polymethyl methacrylates and polyesters for textile coating. Additionally, it is also found in liquid form and is used in making solvents, adhesives, pharmaceutical products, other chemicals, and as a herbicide.

Hexafluoroacetone Hazards

The main routes of exposure to hexafluoroacetone are inhalation, skin absorption and contact with the skin and eyes.

Acute Effects

Hexafluoroacetone is highly toxic and can be deadly if inhaled, swallowed, or absorbed through the skin. Its vapours are extremely irritating and corrosive, and contact can cause severe burns and irritation to the skin and eyes. Inhaling hexafluoroacetone can irritate the nose, throat, and lungs, leading to coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. High exposure can cause fluid buildup in the lungs, which is a serious medical emergency and can cause severe breathing problems. Other symptoms of exposure include headaches, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and feeling light-headed.

Chronic Effects

Hexafluoroacetone can harm the liver and kidneys with prolonged exposure. It may also affect blood cells. Repeated exposure can irritate the lungs and lead to bronchitis, which includes symptoms like coughing, producing phlegm, and shortness of breath.

Reproductive Hazard:

There is some evidence that hexafluoroacetone might cause birth defects in animals, so it should be treated as a potential risk for humans. It may also harm the male reproductive organs (testes).

Cancer Hazard:

Hexafluoroacetone has not been tested to see if it can cause cancer in animals.

Fire Hazard:

While some forms of hexafluoroacetone may burn, they don't catch fire easily. Vapors from the liquid are heavier than air and can spread along the ground. Some types may react violently with water. If containers are exposed to fire, they could release toxic or corrosive gases, explode, or rocket due to increased pressure.

Hexafluoroacetone Safety

First Aid Measures

• If Inhaled: Move the person to fresh air immediately. If they are not breathing, perform artificial respiration, but avoid direct mouth-to-mouth contact. Get medical help right away.
• Skin Contact: Remove all contaminated clothing and flush the affected skin with water for at least 15 minutes. Seek immediate medical attention.
• Eye Contact: Remove contact lenses if present, and rinse eyes using the nearest emergency eyewash station for at least 15 minutes. Continue rinsing during transport to the hospital and seek medical attention immediately.
• If Swallowed: Do not induce vomiting. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person. Rinse the mouth with water and get medical help right away.

Exposure Controls & Personal Protection

Engineering Controls

• Enclose operations and use local exhaust ventilation at the site where hexafluoroacetone is released.
• Isolate operations to minimize exposure.
• If possible, use automatic systems to transfer hexafluoroacetone from cylinders or other storage to process containers.

Recommended Work Practices

• Workers should change out of contaminated clothing into clean clothes promptly.
• Contaminated work clothes should be laundered by trained personnel who are aware of the hazards of exposure to hexafluoroacetone.
• Emergency eyewash stations should be easily accessible in work areas.
• Emergency showers should be available if there is a risk of skin exposure.

Personal Protection

Respiratory Protection: If exposure levels may exceed 0.1 ppm, use a full-facepiece supplied-air respirator approved by MSHA/NIOSH, operated in a pressure-demand or positive-pressure mode. For additional protection, combine with an auxiliary self-contained breathing apparatus operated in a pressure-demand or other positive pressure mode.

Clothing: Avoid skin contact. Wear solvent-resistant gloves and protective clothing. Use clean, protective gear daily. Safety equipment suppliers/manufacturers can provide recommendations on the most protective glove/clothing material for the operation.

Eye Protection: Use non-vented, impact-resistant goggles when handling fumes, gases, or vapors. For liquids, wear indirect-vent, impact-resistant goggles. A face shield should be used along with goggles when dealing with highly irritating, corrosive, or toxic substances.

Hexafluoroacetone Safety Handling

Before using hexafluoroacetone, you should receive proper training on how to handle and store it safely. Hexafluoroacetone reacts strongly with water, releasing hydrates and a lot of heat. It should not come into contact with oxidizing agents (like perchlorates, peroxides, permanganates, chlorates, nitrates, chlorine, bromine, and fluorine) or strong acids (like hydrochloric, sulfuric, and nitric). Store hexafluoroacetone in tightly sealed containers in a cool, well-ventilated area, and keep it away from moisture.

Regulation

United States

• The American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) has set a Threshold Limit Value (TLV) for hexafluoroacetone at 0.1 parts per million (ppm), 0.68 mg/m³, with a time-weighted average (TWA) considering skin exposure.
• The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommends exposure Limit (REL) for hexafluoroacetone of 0.1 ppm TWA (Skin)

Australia

• Safe Work Australia has set an 8-hour Time Weighted Average (TWA) exposure limit for hexafluoroacetone at 0.1 ppm or 0.68 mg/m³.