Perfluoro-C2-18-Alkylethyl Iodides: Key Facts & FAQs

Perfluoro-C2-18-alkylethyl iodides is a family of fluorotelomer iodide intermediates bearing perfluorinated alkyl chains of 2–18 carbons appended with an ethyl iodide moiety, widely employed as versatile building blocks in fluorochemical synthesis, telomerization reactions, and the preparation of fluorosurfactants and specialty fluoropolymers.

Product Name

Perfluoro-C2-18-alkylethyl iodides

SKU

P1530043

Chemical Class

Fluorotelomer iodides (perfluoroalkylethyl iodides)

Perfluoroalkyl Chain Length

C2 to C18 (even-numbered homologue mixture typical)

Key Functional Group

Terminal C–I bond on the ethyl spacer; highly reactive toward radical and organometallic additions

Primary Applications

Fluorosurfactant synthesis, fluoropolymer precursors, telomerization, surface-modification reagents

Storage Recommendation

Cool, dry, well-ventilated area; away from heat and incompatible materials (consult SDS)

What Are Perfluoro-C2-18-Alkylethyl Iodides?

Perfluoro-C2-18-alkylethyl iodides, also known as fluorotelomer iodides (FTIs), are a series of compounds with the general structure F(CF₂CF₂)_nCH₂CH₂I, where n spans from 1 to 9, giving perfluorinated chain lengths of C2 through C18. The perfluorinated segment imparts exceptional chemical stability, low surface energy, and oleophobic/hydrophobic character, while the terminal iodide on the ethyl spacer provides a reactive handle for further functionalization.

These compounds are synthesized industrially by telomerization of tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) with a perfluoroalkyl iodide initiator, yielding a distribution of homologues. The resulting mixture—or individual fractions—serves as the starting material for a broad range of downstream fluorochemicals including fluorosurfactants, fluorinated acrylate monomers, and textile-finishing agents.

Chemical Properties and Reactivity

The C–I bond in perfluoro-C2-18-alkylethyl iodides is substantially weaker than a typical alkyl C–I bond due to the strong electron-withdrawing effect of the adjacent perfluoroalkyl chain. This lability makes these compounds excellent radical precursors and participants in atom-transfer radical addition (ATRA) reactions, enabling efficient introduction of perfluoroalkyl groups onto unsaturated substrates such as alkenes, acrylates, and alkynes.

Key chemical characteristics include:

• Thermal stability of the –C_nF_2n+1 segment: Resistant to hydrolysis and most organic reagents under mild conditions.
• Radical reactivity at C–I: Readily generates perfluoroalkylethyl radicals under UV irradiation, peroxide initiation, or transition-metal catalysis.
• Low surface energy: Bulk and thin-film preparations exhibit very low critical surface tension, enabling effective substrate coating applications.

Compatibility considerations: avoid strong bases, nucleophiles that could facilitate elimination, and reducing agents; consult the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) before use.

Applications in Research and Industry

Perfluoro-C2-18-alkylethyl iodides serve as pivotal intermediates across multiple fluorochemistry domains:

1. Fluorosurfactant Synthesis: Reaction with sulfur trioxide or maleic anhydride, followed by neutralization, yields fluorinated surfactants used in fire-fighting foams, coatings, and emulsion polymerization.
2. Fluorinated Acrylate and Methacrylate Monomers: Dehydroiodination to form perfluoroalkylethylene, followed by esterification, produces monomers for stain-resistant and water-repellent polymer coatings.
3. Radical Addition Chemistry: Addition across electron-poor alkenes delivers perfluoroalkylated building blocks for pharmaceutical and agrochemical research.
4. Surface Modification: Applied as reactive primers or plasma-coating precursors to confer hydrophobicity and oleophobicity to textiles, membranes, and porous materials.
5. Polymer Science: Used to prepare fluorinated telomers and block copolymers with controlled chain-end functionality for specialty materials research.

Safe Handling, Storage and Regulatory Considerations

Personal Protection: Handle in a well-ventilated fume hood. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) including chemically resistant gloves, safety goggles, and a lab coat. Avoid inhalation of vapors and contact with skin or eyes.

Storage: Store in tightly sealed containers in a cool (below 25 °C), dry location away from direct sunlight, ignition sources, and incompatible materials such as strong bases and reducing agents. Follow the specific storage instructions on the product label and SDS.

Disposal: Dispose of according to local environmental regulations for halogenated organic waste. Do not pour down the drain.

Regulatory Context: Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are subject to increasing regulatory scrutiny globally (e.g., REACH restrictions in the EU, EPA PFAS frameworks in the US). Researchers should verify the current regulatory status of specific homologues for their intended end-use application and jurisdiction prior to procurement and use. Consult the product SDS and Aladdin Scientific's regulatory team for the most current guidance.

Ordering and Product Specifications

Aladdin Scientific supplies Perfluoro-C2-18-alkylethyl iodides under SKU P1530043. To place an order or request a quotation, contact Aladdin Scientific through the official website or reach out to your regional sales representative.

When ordering, please specify:

• Required quantity and pack size
• Purity grade (confirm available grades with Aladdin Scientific at time of enquiry)
• Preferred homologue distribution or specific chain-length fraction if applicable
• Any special documentation requirements (CoA, SDS, regulatory certificates)

For bulk or custom orders, Aladdin Scientific's technical sales team can advise on availability, lead times, and pricing. Reach out via the product page or customer service portal for the fastest response.

Frequently asked questions

What is the general structure of Perfluoro-C2-18-alkylethyl iodides?

The general structure is F(CF₂CF₂)ₙCH₂CH₂I, where n ranges from 1 to 9, corresponding to perfluoroalkyl chain lengths of C2 to C18. The perfluorinated segment is chemically inert under mild conditions, while the terminal C–I bond on the two-carbon ethyl spacer is reactive and serves as the primary site for further functionalization.

What are the main uses of Perfluoro-C2-18-alkylethyl iodides in research?

These compounds are primarily used as intermediates in the synthesis of fluorosurfactants, fluorinated acrylate and methacrylate monomers, and specialty fluoropolymers. They are also valuable in radical addition reactions to introduce perfluoroalkyl groups onto organic substrates, and as precursors for surface-modification agents that impart hydrophobicity and oleophobicity to materials.

How should Perfluoro-C2-18-alkylethyl iodides be stored to maintain stability?

Store the compound in tightly sealed containers at cool temperatures (below 25 °C), away from direct sunlight, heat sources, strong bases, and reducing agents. A dry environment is recommended to prevent moisture-induced degradation. Always consult the product Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for specific storage conditions applicable to the lot you receive.

Are there regulatory restrictions on the use of Perfluoro-C2-18-alkylethyl iodides?

Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) as a class are subject to evolving global regulations, including REACH restrictions in the EU and EPA frameworks in the US. The regulatory status varies by specific homologue chain length and intended application. Researchers and procurement teams are strongly advised to verify the current regulatory position for their jurisdiction and end use before ordering. Aladdin Scientific's regulatory team can provide guidance.

How can I place an order for SKU P1530043 at Aladdin Scientific?

You can order Perfluoro-C2-18-alkylethyl iodides (SKU P1530043) directly through the Aladdin Scientific website product page, by contacting your regional sales representative, or via the customer service portal. For bulk quantities or custom specifications, please request a quotation from the technical sales team, who can advise on pack sizes, purity grades, and lead times.

References

1. Kissa, E. Fluorinated Surfactants and Repellents, 2nd ed.; Marcel Dekker: New York, 2001. (General reference on fluorotelomer iodide chemistry and fluorosurfactant synthesis.)
2. Haszeldine, R. N. Reactions of fluorocarbon radicals. J. Chem. Soc. 1953. (Early foundational work on perfluoroalkyl radical chemistry relevant to C–I bond reactivity.)
3. European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). REACH Restriction on PFASs. Available at: https://echa.europa.eu (accessed 2024). (Regulatory reference for PFAS substances under EU REACH.)

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