1,1,1,2,3,3,3-Heptafluoropropane

1,1,1,2,3,3,3-Heptafluoropropane, also called heptafluoropropane, HFC-227ea (ISO name), HFC-227 or FM200, as well as apaflurane (INN), is a colourless, odourless gaseous halocarbon commonly used as a gaseous fire suppression agent.

1,1,1,2,3,3,3-Heptafluoropropane[1]
Names
Preferred IUPAC name
1,1,1,2,3,3,3-Heptafluoropropane
Other names
Heptafluoropropane
Apaflurane
HFC-227ea
R-227ea
HFC-227
Identifiers
3D model (JSmol)
ChEMBL
ChemSpider
ECHA InfoCard 100.006.437
KEGG
UNII
UN number UN3296
Properties
C3HF7
Molar mass 170.03 g/mol
Density 1.46 g/cm3 at -16 °C
Melting point −131 °C (−204 °F; 142 K)
Boiling point −16.4 °C (2.5 °F; 256.8 K)
Hazards
NFPA 704 (fire diamond)
Flammability code 0: Will not burn. E.g. waterHealth code 1: Exposure would cause irritation but only minor residual injury. E.g. turpentineReactivity code 1: Normally stable, but can become unstable at elevated temperatures and pressures. E.g. calciumSpecial hazards (white): no code
0
1
1
Related compounds
Related compounds
 1,1,1,2,2,3,3-Heptachloropropane
Except where otherwise noted, data are given for materials in their standard state (at 25 °C [77 °F], 100 kPa).
N verify (what is YN ?)
Infobox references

Chemistry

Its chemical formula is CF3-CHF-CF3, or C3HF7. With a boiling point of −16.4 °C, it is a gas at room temperature. It is slightly soluble in water (260 mg/L).

Use

HFC-227ea finds use in fire suppression systems in data processing and telecommunication facilities, and in protection of many flammable liquids and gases. HFC-227ea falls in the category of Clean Agents and is governed by NFPA 2001 - Standard for Clean Agent Fire Extinguishing Systems. Effective fire suppression requires introducing a concentration of the HFC-227ea agent between 6.25% and 9% depending on the hazard being suppressed. Its NOAEL for cardiac sensitization is 9%. The United States Environmental Protection Agency allows concentration of 9% volume in occupied spaces without mandated egress time, or up to 10.5% for a limited time. Most fire suppression systems are designed to provide concentration of 6.25-9%.

The HFC-227ea fire suppression agent was the first non-ozone-depleting replacement for Halon 1301. In addition, HFC-227ea leaves no residue on valuable equipment after discharge.[2]

HFC-227ea contains no chlorine or bromine atoms, presenting no ozone depletion effect. Its atmospheric lifetime is approximated between 31 and 42 years. It leaves no residue or oily deposits and can be removed by ventilation of the affected space.

As an aerosol propellant, HFC-227ea is used in pharmaceutical metered dose inhalers such as those used for dispensing asthma medication.

Safety

At high temperatures, heptafluoropropane will decompose and produce hydrogen fluoride. This is observable as presence of sharp, pungent odour, which can be perceived in concentrations far below a dangerous level. Other decomposition products include carbonyl fluoride, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. Prior to re-entry of a room where HFC-227ea system has been activated to suppress a fire, the atmosphere should be tested. An Acid Scavenging Additive added to heptafluoropropane is able to reduce the amount of hydrogen fluoride. Contact with liquid HFC-227ea may cause frostbite.

Climate change considerations

Heptafluoropropane (HFC-227ea) contributes to climate change. It has a global warming potential (GWP) of 3,220.[3]

Due to its high GWP, the HFC-227ea has been included in the list of controlled substances of the Montreal Protocol (2016 Kigali amendment, in effect in January 2019).[4] Under EU regulations, production, imports and sales of HFC-227ea in spray cans such as freeze sprays or dusters have been prohibited since 2014, as the GWP is over the limit of 150 for these applications.[5][6][7]

Tradenames for HFC-227ea used as fire suppression agent

See also

Other fire suppression agents:

References
  1. NIST datapage for heptafluoropropane
  2. "Fike FE-227 Product Page". Archived from the original on 2007-10-09. Retrieved 2006-12-12.
  3. GOV.UK: Calculate the carbon dioxide equivalent quantity of an F gas. Retrieved on 2018-01-25.
  4. Montreal Protocol Section 1.1. including 2016 Kigali amendment.
  5. https://www.eea.europa.eu/policy-documents/regulation-eu-no-517-2014
  6. https://ec.europa.eu/clima/policies/f-gas/legislation_en
  7. https://www.ilent.nl/actueel/nieuws/2020/08/31/ilt-onderschept-illegale-spuitbussen-in-rotterdamse-haven
  8. "Substitutes in Total Flooding Agents". United States Environmental Protection Agency. United States government. Retrieved 3 May 2019.
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