Pentafluoroethane

Chemical properties

Pentafluoroethane has a light ethereal odor with poor warning properties.
Pentafluoroethane is a non-flammable HFC gas (HydroFluoroCarbon substance) used for refrigeration and as a fire extinguishing agent.
Pentafluoroethane is a component of blends used for refrigeration in closed systems. It can be found in commercial refrigeration, food processing & cold storage, transport refrigeration, commercial or domestic air conditioning, air cooled chillers or water cooled chillers used in building and large systems for air conditioning. It is also used as a fire extinguishing agent.

The Uses of Pentafluoroethane

HFC 125s main application is as a high-pressure refrigerant. It has also found use as a total flooding fire-extinguishing agent.

General Description

A nonflammable gas. Heavier than air. May asphyxiate by the displacement of air in confined spaces. Exposure of the container to prolonged heat or fire can cause Pentafluoroethane to rupture violently and rocket.

Reactivity Profile

Pentafluoroethane may be incompatible with strong oxidizing and reducing agents. May be incompatible with many amines, nitrides, azo/diazo compounds, alkali metals, and epoxides.

Health Hazard

Vapors may cause dizziness or asphyxiation without warning. Vapors from liquefied gas are initially heavier than air and spread along ground. Contact with gas or liquefied gas may cause burns, severe injury and/or frostbite. Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases.

Fire Hazard

Some may burn but none ignite readily. Containers may explode when heated. Ruptured cylinders may rocket.

Flammability and Explosibility

Non flammable

Safety Profile

Low toxicity by inhalation. Mutation data reported. Whenheated to decomposition it emits toxic vapors of Fí.