Perfluorooctyltrichlorosilane: A Hard Look at What We Need to Know

Identification

Chemical name: Perfluorooctyltrichlorosilane
Common synonyms: Trichloro(1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorooctyl)silane
Molecular formula: C8F17SiCl3
Appearance: Clear to pale yellow liquid, gives off a sharp, acidic odor
Main use: Surface treatment agent for glass, ceramics, and metals to provide water or oil repellency in research and industry
CAS number: 78560-44-8

Hazard Identification

Physical hazards: Corrosive to metals and tissue, reacts with water or moisture, hazardous fumes released
Health hazards: Skin burns, irreversible eye damage, respiratory tract irritation, potential for delayed lung effects after inhalation
Environmental hazards: Persistent in soil and water, tendency for bioaccumulation
Key symbols: Corrosive, hazardous to environment

Composition / Information on Ingredients

Main ingredient: Perfluorooctyltrichlorosilane (over 95%)
Impurities: May contain trace hydrolysis byproducts including hydrochloric acid
Hazard information: Both the main component and contaminants can cause chemical injuries

First Aid Measures

Eyes: Rinse gently and thoroughly with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes; get medical help as soon as possible
Skin: Remove contaminated clothing quickly, flush skin with substantial water, seek medical attention
Inhalation: Move to outdoor air, keep at rest, provide oxygen if breathing is difficult, call a doctor
Ingestion: Rinse mouth with water, don’t induce vomiting, call health personnel immediately

Fire-Fighting Measures

Fire risks: Not easily ignited, but releases toxic gases including hydrogen chloride and perfluorinated compounds if burned
Extinguishing agents: Carbon dioxide, dry chemical, alcohol-resistant foam; do not use water jet
Protective gear: Full protective suit with self-contained breathing apparatus recommended for firefighting
Combustion products: Slick white smoke with acrid odor, residue remains hazardous

Accidental Release Measures

Personal protection: Wear chemical splash goggles, gloves resistant to solvents and acids, impervious protective clothing
Containment: Block off spill area and avoid water, since it reacts with moisture; neutralize with lime or soda ash before cleaning
Cleanup: Pick up material using non-sparking tools, store residues in sealed corrosive-resistant drums
Ventilation: Keep area well-ventilated to prevent fume inhalation during cleaning

Handling and Storage

Handling advice: Work in a chemical fume hood or with good mechanical ventilation, keep away from skin and eyes, avoid moisture exposure during transfer
Storage temperature: Store in tightly sealed, corrosion-resistant containers in a cool, dry place, away from sources of water and physical shocks
Incompatibilities: Water, alcohols, strong bases, oxidizing agents, acids

Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Workplace controls: Local exhaust ventilation, airtight process enclosures may reduce exposure risk
Eye/face protection: Chemical safety goggles and full-face shield
Gloves: Nitrile or neoprene materials preferred
Body protection: Lab coats, long sleeves, impervious aprons if needed
Respiratory protection: Suitable respirator if dusts, vapors, or aerosols present; use air-purifying respirators for short spills, air-supplied for larger events

Physical and Chemical Properties

Physical state: Liquid
Color: Colorless to faint yellow
Odor: Pungent, irritating
Boiling point: Data sparse, but higher than similar short-chain compounds
Flash point: Not established
Solubility: Decomposes with water, soluble in most organic solvents
Vapor pressure: Not well documented, but volatile enough to generate significant fumes

Stability and Reactivity

Stability: Hydrolyzes rapidly in the presence of water to produce hydrochloric acid and silanols, with substantial heat generation
Reactivity: Vigorous reactions with alcohols, strong bases, or oxidizers— risk of fire or violent decomposition
Conditions to avoid: Moist environments, heat, incompatibles above
Hazardous byproducts: Hydrogen chloride, perfluoroalkyl degradation products are problematic

Toxicological Information

Likely routes of exposure: Inhalation, skin contact, eye contact
Symptoms: Cough, shortness of breath, skin blisters, severe burns, potential lung damage after inhalation
Chronic risks: Persistent skin and respiratory irritation, fluorinated chains potentially raise concerns about long-term exposure or bioaccumulation
Data gaps: Limited information on long-term toxicology for this chemical, but related silanes and perfluorinated substances have raised red flags in safety reviews

Ecological Information

Mobility: Slow to degrade in soil or water, strong tendency to persist
Bioaccumulation: Long fluorinated carbon chains often remain intact, leading to buildup in organisms
Toxicity: Adverse impacts on aquatic life linked to related perfluorinated compounds
Big picture: Environmental persistence stands out as a growing concern in both academic and regulatory circles, hinting at the need for greater environmental diligence

Disposal Considerations

Waste handling: Collect as hazardous waste in sealed, compatible containers; don’t allow to enter water or drain systems
Treatment: Neutralize with basic slurries like lime or sodium carbonate, only in permitted chemical waste processing facilities
Legal requirements: Follow local, state, and national hazardous waste laws; incineration at specialized plants often required to limit fluorinated emissions

Transport Information

Hazard class: Classified as dangerous goods; corrosive and environmentally hazardous
Labels required: Corrosive, environmental hazard
Packaging: Use sealed, corrosion-resistant, leak-proof containers
Special instructions: Avoid temperature extremes, do not drop or expose to water during transit, maintain documentation for authorities

Regulatory Information

International regulations: Many countries restrict or strongly regulate perfluorinated substances and their silane derivatives
Worker safety: Occupational exposure limits have not been strictly assigned for this compound, but requirements for protective equipment are rigorous
Environmental rules: Growing attention to persistence and toxicity of perfluorinated chemicals has led to re-evaluation by environmental agencies across the globe
Safety culture: Good practice means clear training, consistent use of personal protection, and open communication about hazards