Dodecafluoroheptyl Methacrylate: Properties, Uses & Safety

Dodecafluoroheptyl thacrylate is a fluorine-rich methacrylate monomer that imparts exceptional hydrophobicity, oleophobicity, and chemical resistance to polymeric materials and surface coatings.

Chemical Class

Fluorinated methacrylate monomer

CAS / SKU

SKU D1530089 (CAS to be confirmed)

Key Feature

High fluorine content delivering low surface energy and strong chemical resistance

Primary Applications

Hydrophobic/oleophobic coatings, fluoropolymer synthesis, surface modification

Polymerization Method

Radical, RAFT, or ATRP polymerization

Physical State

Liquid (typical for methacrylate monomers; confirm with CoA)

Chemical Identity and Structure

Dodecafluoroheptyl methacrylate (SKU D1530089) belongs to the family of fluoroalkyl methacrylate monomers. Its backbone consists of a methacryloyl ester group linked to a heptyl chain bearing twelve fluorine substituents. The high degree of C–F bond substitution confers an unusually low surface energy on derived coatings—a direct consequence of fluorine's electronegativity and the strength of the C–F bond (~485 kJ mol⁻¹).

The perfluorinated segment is largely responsible for the monomer's low refractive index, thermal stability relative to hydrocarbon analogues, and resistance to aggressive solvents and acids. The methacrylate double bond provides the reactive handle for free-radical and controlled radical polymerization.

Key Applications in Research and Industry

Hydrophobic and oleophobic surface coatings: Homo- and copolymers of dodecafluoroheptyl methacrylate are widely used to engineer surfaces with water contact angles exceeding 100°, making them valuable in anti-fouling, anti-icing, and stain-resistant coating research.

Fluoropolymer synthesis: The monomer serves as a building block for well-defined fluorinated homo- and block copolymers via RAFT or ATRP, enabling precise control of molecular weight and architecture for structure–property studies.

Textile and membrane finishing: Fluoroacrylate polymers derived from this monomer are investigated for oil- and water-repellent finishes on technical textiles and porous membranes.

Biomedical and microfluidic applications: The low surface energy and biocompatibility of fluoropolymer coatings are explored in microfluidic channel passivation and drug-delivery device surfaces.

Handling, Storage, and Safety

General precautions: As with all methacrylate monomers, dodecafluoroheptyl methacrylate should be handled in a well-ventilated fume hood using appropriate personal protective equipment (nitrile gloves, safety glasses, lab coat). Avoid inhalation of vapors.

Storage: Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from heat sources, ignition sources, and oxidizing agents. Inhibitor (typically hydroquinone monomethyl ether, MEHQ) is commonly included to prevent premature polymerization during storage; confirm the inhibitor type and concentration on the Certificate of Analysis (CoA).

Disposal: Dispose of waste in accordance with local environmental regulations for fluorinated organic compounds. Do not pour down the drain.

Note: Always consult the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) supplied with the product for authoritative hazard, first-aid, and disposal information.

Polymerization Guidelines and Formulation Tips

Inhibitor removal: If the presence of MEHQ or other inhibitors would interfere with your polymerization, pass the monomer through a column of activated basic alumina or use an inhibitor-removal resin immediately before use.

Solvent selection: Fluorinated solvents such as HFE-7100, perfluorohexane, or trifluorotoluene often improve solubility of the fluorinated monomer and the resulting polymer. Conventional solvents (THF, DMF) may also be suitable depending on copolymer composition.

Oxygen exclusion: Conduct polymerizations under inert atmosphere (N₂ or Ar) using standard freeze–pump–thaw or sparging techniques to avoid radical quenching.

Copolymerization: The monomer copolymerizes readily with methyl methacrylate, butyl acrylate, styrene, and other vinyl monomers, allowing surface-energy tuning by adjusting fluorinated monomer feed ratio.

Quality, Purity, and Ordering Information

Aladdin Scientific supplies Dodecafluoroheptyl methacrylate under SKU D1530089. Each lot is accompanied by a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) specifying purity, inhibitor content, and appearance. Researchers are encouraged to request the CoA and SDS prior to ordering to confirm suitability for their application.

For bulk quantities, custom packaging, or additional technical support, contact the Aladdin Scientific sales or technical team. Volume pricing and institutional procurement agreements are available.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between dodecafluoroheptyl methacrylate and other fluorinated acrylate monomers?

Dodecafluoroheptyl methacrylate contains a C7 fluorinated alkyl chain with twelve fluorine atoms, balancing high fluorine content with manageable viscosity and solubility. Shorter-chain analogues offer lower fluorine density, while longer-chain perfluorinated monomers (C8+) face regulatory restrictions in many jurisdictions due to environmental persistence concerns.

Can this monomer be used in aqueous emulsion polymerization?

Fluorinated methacrylate monomers can be incorporated into emulsion polymerization systems using appropriate fluorinated or non-ionic surfactants to stabilize the latex. However, their low water solubility requires careful formulation; miniemulsion techniques are often preferred to achieve stable dispersions with high fluorinated monomer incorporation.

How should I confirm the purity of the received material before use?

Review the Certificate of Analysis (CoA) provided with the batch for purity data, typically determined by GC or NMR. For critical applications, in-house ¹H and ¹⁹F NMR analysis provides rapid confirmation of structural integrity and absence of hydrolysis products. Contact Aladdin Scientific for the CoA specific to your lot number.

Is dodecafluoroheptyl methacrylate subject to PFAS regulations?

Regulatory classification of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) varies by jurisdiction and is rapidly evolving. Researchers and procurement teams should consult the current regulatory guidance in their region before purchasing or working with this material. Aladdin Scientific recommends reviewing the SDS and relevant national chemical inventories for up-to-date compliance information.

References

1. Scheirs, J. Modern Fluoropolymers; Wiley: Chichester, 1997. (General reference on fluoropolymer chemistry and applications.)
2. Hougham, G. et al. (Eds.) Fluoropolymers 2: Properties; Kluwer Academic/Plenum: New York, 1999.
3. Moochun Biotechnology (Weihai) Co., Ltd. Fluorinated monomer product list. http://www.moochun-bio.com/cn/products/List-5.html (accessed 2024).

Products are supplied for research and development use only. Not for use in humans, animals, diagnosis, or therapy.