1,1,1-Trifluoroethane

Chemical properties

colourless gas

Chemical properties

1,1,1-Trifluoroethane is a colorless gas or a liquid under pressure.

The Uses of 1,1,1-Trifluoroethane

HFC 143a is used as a refrigerant and as a component in some refrigerant blends.

General Description

1.1.1-Trifluoroethane is a colorless, highly flammable gas. 1,1,1-Trifluoroethane is heavier than air and vapors may travel from a leaking container to a source of ignition causing a flame to flashback to the container. Contact with the unconfined liquid can cause frostbite. Under prolonged exposure to fire or heat the containers may rupture violently and rocket.

Air & Water Reactions

Highly flammable.

Reactivity Profile

Halogenated aliphatic compounds, such as 1,1,1-Trifluoroethane, are moderately or very reactive. Reactivity generally decreases with increased degree of substitution of halogen for hydrogen atoms. Low molecular weight haloalkanes are highly flammable and can react with some metals to form dangerous products. Materials in this group are incompatible with strong oxidizing and reducing agents. Also, they are incompatible with many amines, nitrides, azo/diazo compounds, alkali metals, and epoxides.

Health Hazard

Vapors may cause dizziness or asphyxiation without warning. Some may be irritating if inhaled at high concentrations. Contact with gas or liquefied gas may cause burns, severe injury and/or frostbite. Fire may produce irritating and/or toxic gases.

Fire Hazard

EXTREMELY FLAMMABLE. Will be easily ignited by heat, sparks or flames. Will form explosive mixtures with air. Vapors from liquefied gas are initially heavier than air and spread along ground. CAUTION: Hydrogen (UN1049), Deuterium (UN1957), Hydrogen, refrigerated liquid (UN1966) and Methane (UN1971) are lighter than air and will rise. Hydrogen and Deuterium fires are difficult to detect since they burn with an invisible flame. Use an alternate method of detection (thermal camera, broom handle, etc.) Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back. Cylinders exposed to fire may vent and release flammable gas through pressure relief devices. Containers may explode when heated. Ruptured cylinders may rocket.

Safety Profile

Mutation data reported. Whenheated to decomposition it emits toxic vapors of F??.

Potential Exposure

The 1,1,1-isomer is used to make other chemicals and used as a refrigerant.

Shipping

UN2035 1,1,1-Trifluoroethane, compressed or Refrigerant gas, R 143a, Hazard Class: 2.1; Labels: 2.1- Flammable gas. Cylinders must be transported in a secure upright position, in a well-ventilated truck. Protect cylinder and labels from physical damage. The owner of the compressed gas cylinder is the only entity allowed by federal law (49CFR) to transport and refill them. It is a violation of transportation regulations to refill compressed gas cylinders without the express written permission of the owner.

Incompatibilities

1,1,1-Trifluoroethane forms an explosive mixture with air. Low molecular weight haloalkanes are highly flammable and can react with some metals to form dangerous products. Materials in this group are incompatible with oxidizers (chlorates, nitrates, peroxides, permanganates, perchlorates, chlorine, bromine, fluorine, etc.) and reducing agents such as hydrides, nitrides, alkali metals, and sulfides. Also, they are incompatible with many amines, nitrides, azo/diazo compounds, alkali metals, and epoxides.

Waste Disposal

Return refillable compressed gas cylinders to supplier. Nonrefillable cylinders should be disposed of in accordance with local, state and federal regulations. Allow remaining gas to vent slowly into atmosphere in an unconfined area or exhaust hood. Refillabletype cylinders should be returned to original supplier with any valve caps and outlet plugs secured and valve protection caps in place.