Polytetrafluoroethylene
(C₂F₄)ₙCite "Polytetrafluoroethylene"
Polytetrafluoroethylene. (n.d.). In Compound. Retrieved from /compound/polytetrafluoroethylene/
"Polytetrafluoroethylene." Compound, /compound/polytetrafluoroethylene/.
@misc{polytetrafluoroethylene, title={Polytetrafluoroethylene}, url={/compound/polytetrafluoroethylene/}}
IUPAC: Poly(tetrafluoroethylene)
CAS: 9002-84-0
Overview
PTFE, marketed as Teflon, has the lowest coefficient of friction of any known solid. The strong C-F bonds make it almost completely chemically inert and non-stick. It was accidentally discovered by Roy Plunkett in 1938 while working on refrigerant gases.
Composition
Uses
- • Non-stick cookware coating
- • Chemical-resistant gaskets and seals
- • Plumber's tape (thread seal tape)
- • Gore-Tex waterproof fabric
Fun Facts
- ✦ Discovered accidentally when a gas cylinder appeared empty but actually contained polymerized PTFE
- ✦ Nothing sticks to Teflon because of the extremely strong C-F bonds that create a low-energy surface
Safety
- ⚠ Overheating above 260°C releases toxic fumes
- ⚠ PFAS environmental persistence ('forever chemicals')
- ⚠ Polymer fume fever from decomposition
Properties
- Type
- polymer
- State
- solid
- Molar Mass
- 100.02 g/mol
- Density
- 2.2000 g/cm³
- Melting Point
- 327.0 °C
- Solubility
- insoluble
Also Known As
Teflon
PTFE
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Polytetrafluoroethylene?
Polytetrafluoroethylene ((C₂F₄)ₙ) is a polymer compound with the IUPAC name Poly(tetrafluoroethylene).
What is the molecular weight of Polytetrafluoroethylene?
Polytetrafluoroethylene has a molar mass of 100.015 g/mol.
What state is Polytetrafluoroethylene at room temperature?
Polytetrafluoroethylene is a solid at room temperature.
Is Polytetrafluoroethylene organic or inorganic?
Polytetrafluoroethylene is classified as an inorganic compound.
What elements make up Polytetrafluoroethylene?
Polytetrafluoroethylene ((C₂F₄)ₙ) is composed of Carbon (C), Fluorine (F).