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Trifluoromethane Gas (CHF3)

Trifluoromethane (CHF3) is a colorless, nontoxic, non-flammable gas with a slightly ethereal odor.

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Trifluoromethane

Formula: CHF3, R23, HC-23

What is trifluoromethane (CHF3)?

Trifluoromethane has high density, low reactivity, and low toxicity, making it ideal for use in fire suppression systems as a flooding agent, for plasma etching in the semiconductor industry, specifically for silicon oxide and silicon nitride, and as a refrigerant. 

Trifluoromethane (CHF3), also known as fluoromethane or HFC-23, is used in semiconductor etch applications as an alternative to sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) and other gases.

What are the benefits of using trifluoromethane (CHF3) in semiconductor etching?

High selectivity:

CHF3 has a high selectivity to silicon dioxide (SiO2) and other materials commonly used in semiconductor fabrication, making it a valuable tool in the etching of high-quality structures and devices.

High etch rate:

CHF3 has a relatively high etch rate, allowing for faster etching of materials compared to some other gases.

Low toxicity:

CHF3 is not highly toxic, making it safer for workers to handle and use in the semiconductor manufacturing process.

Compatibility:

CHF3 is compatible with many materials commonly used in semiconductor fabrication, such as silicon, silicon nitride, and aluminum.

Overall, CHF3 offers several benefits as an etching gas in semiconductor manufacturing, making it a valuable alternative to other gases. Its low environmental impact, high selectivity, and compatibility with various materials make it a useful tool for creating high-quality structures and devices in the semiconductor industry

What are some other applications of trifluoromethane (CHF3)?

Refrigerant:

CHF3 is used as a refrigerant in some applications, particularly in industrial refrigeration systems. It has a low global warming potential (GWP) compared to some other refrigerants, making it a more environmentally friendly choice.

Fire suppression:

CHF3 can be used as a fire suppression agent in some applications, particularly in high-value electronics and data centers. It is effective at extinguishing fires and does not leave a residue that can damage electronic equipment.

Medical applications:

CHF3 has been investigated for its potential as an inhalation anesthetic, as well as for its use in medical imaging applications. It has a low boiling point and is relatively inert, making it a suitable candidate for these applications.

Fluorinating agent:

CHF3 can be used as a fluorinating agent in some chemical reactions, particularly in the synthesis of fluorinated compounds. It can be used to introduce a trifluoromethyl group (-CF3) into organic molecules, which can impart desirable properties such as increased lipophilicity and stability.

Plasma cleaning:

CHF3 can be used in plasma cleaning applications, particularly for the removal of organic contaminants from surfaces. Plasma cleaning using CHF3 can be more effective and less damaging than other cleaning methods, such as wet chemical cleaning.

Overall, CHF3 has a range of applications outside of semiconductor etching, demonstrating its versatility and usefulness in various industries.

 

Applications

Specifications

Further Specifications

Cylinder Sizes

  • Etching - combined with halocarbon 14 and halocarbon 116 to improve rate, selectivity, and uniformity in etching
  • Refrigeration in closed systems
  • Commercial refrigeration
  • Food processing and cold storage
  • Transport refrigeration
  • Commercial or domestic air conditioning
  • Air- or water-cooled chillers
  • Fire extinguishing agent
  • Chemical intermediate
Grade 3 Grade 3.5 Grade 4.5 Grade 5
Purity 99.9% 99.95% 99.995% 99.999%
Air (N2+O2+CO+CO2) <500 ppmv < 400 ppmv < 30 ppmv < 5 ppmv
Moisture < 10 ppm/w < 10 ppmv < 4 ppmv < 2 ppmv
Other Organics < 1000 ppmv <10 ppmv < 3 ppmv
Methane < 1 ppmv
Acidity (HF) < 0.1 ppm/w < 0.1 ppm/w < 0.1 ppm/w < 0.1 ppm/w
Chemical & Physical Properties
Molecular Weight 70.01
Specific Volume 5.5 cu. ft/lb
Pressure @ 70° F 23.5 psig
Valve Outlet CGA 660 CGA 320, DISS 716
Shipping Information
DOT Name Trifluoromethane
Hazard Class 2.2
DOT No. UN 1984
DOT Label Green, Non-Flammable Gas
CAS No. 75-46-7
Cylinder Size Fill Weight (lb)
440L/ Y-Ton 700
44L/Size 200 70
16L/Size 80 25
7L/Size 35 11

FAQs about Trifluoromethane

Where is trifluoromethane (CHF3) found?

Trifluoromethane is a result of a reaction of chloroform and hydrogen fluoride. It is produced industrially in the manufacture of Teflon. Biologically it is generated by the process of decarboxylation of trifluoroacetic acid.

Is trifluoromethane hazardous?

Trifluoromethane (CHF3) is classified as hazardous under OSHA regulations in the United States and the WHMIS in Canada. It is moderately toxic when inhaled but may cause oxygen displacement and asphyxiation and may also be narcotic in high concentrations. Also, under prolonged exposure to fire or heat, the containers may rupture and rocket.

Is trifluoromethane gas (CHF3) safe?

Trifluoromethane (CHF3) is a non-toxic gas but side-effects such as dizziness, burns, and frostbite can result form exposure. EFC’s culture of safety ensures that trifluoromethane is always handled properly, safely, and according to industry standards. 

How is trifluoromethane (CHF3) transported?

Trifluoromethane is shipped as a compressed liquid under pressure. 

What is trifluoromethane (CHF3) used for?

Trifluoromethane is an etching agent for the manufacture of semiconductors, as a refrigerant, and as a flooding agent in fire suppression systems.

**Moisture level guaranteed only when Electronic Fluorocarbons prepares the cylinders.
All concentrations are on a mol/mol basis unless otherwise stated.
Product sold on the basis of total impurities. Individual impurities may vary slightly.

*This gas not available for purchase online.