Octafluorocyclobutane

We recommend handling Octafluorocyclobutane in a well-ventilated place while wearing suitable protective clothing. Make sure to avoid contact with skin and eyes and avoid the formation of dust and aerosols. Also, it’s important to use non-sparking tools and prevent fire caused by electrostatic discharge steam.  

Before Use: Move cylinders with a suitable hand truck. Do not drag, slide, drop or roll Octafluorocyclobutane cylinders and secure them firmly. Leave the valve protection cap in place (if provided) until the cylinder is ready for use.

During Use: Use designated CGA fittings and other support equipment. Do not use adapters. Do not heat the cylinder by any means to increase the discharge rate of the product from the cylinder. Use a check valve or trap in the discharge line to prevent hazardous backflow into the cylinder. Do not use oils or grease on gas-handling fittings or equipment.

After Use: Close the main cylinder valve. Replace valve protection cap (if provided), then mark empty cylinders “EMPTY.”

Octafluorocyclobutane cylinders should be stored in dry, well-ventilated areas away from heat sources. Compressed gases can present significant safety hazards. Store containers away from heavily trafficked areas and emergency exits. Store the container tightly closed in a dry, cool, and well-ventilated place. Store apart from foodstuff containers or incompatible materials.

Octafluorocyclobutane is ideal for fire suppression because it is non-flammable. The gas is stored in liquid form for the fire suppression system and, when released, it physically changes to a gas, a process during which heat is absorbed and flame can be extinguished.

The plasma etching process utilizes a high-speed stream of plasma comprised of a gas mixture and shoots it in pulses at the circuit or chip. The plasma creates a volatile chemical reaction, during which the atoms of the plasma embed themselves at the surface of the circuit or chip, which modifies its physical properties, which is etching. Octafluorocyclobutane is an ideal gas for the plasma mixture because it chemically combines with the other gases, is non-flammable, and produces the proper volatile chemical reaction. 

In addition to fire suppression systems and plasma etching, octafluorocyclobutane is used as a gas in refrigeration systems, and in some aerosolized food products, as it is non-toxic, non-flammable, and chemically inert.