PERFLUORINATED COMPOUND Meaning and
Definition
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Perfluorinated compound refers to a class of chemical substances that are composed of carbon and fluorine atoms, where all the hydrogen atoms in the parent hydrocarbon have been replaced by fluorine atoms. This results in a molecule with all fully fluorinated carbon atoms. These compounds are known for their exceptional stability, high melting points, and strong chemical resistance.
Perfluorinated compounds exhibit unique properties that make them useful in various industrial applications. One of their most common applications is as surface coatings, such as non-stick coatings on cookware or water and oil repellent treatments on fabrics. They are also used in the production of electrical cables due to their excellent electrical insulation properties. Moreover, these compounds have found application in firefighting foams, semiconductor manufacturing, and in the aerospace industry.
However, perfluorinated compounds are considered persistent organic pollutants (POPs) due to their resistance to degradation processes in the environment. Their long lifespan and widespread use have led to their detection in the air, water, and soil worldwide. Certain perfluorinated compounds like perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) have been associated with adverse health effects, including developmental and reproductive toxicity, hepatotoxicity, and endocrine disruption.
Due to their potential environmental and health concerns, efforts have been made to reduce the use and release of perfluorinated compounds. Regulatory measures, such as restrictions and phase-outs, have been implemented in several countries to mitigate their environmental impact and protect human health.
Etymology of PERFLUORINATED COMPOUND
The word "perfluorinated compound" is a compound term derived from two different components - "perfluorinated" and "compound".
1. "Perfluorinated":
The term "perfluorinated" is derived from two root words: "per" and "fluorine".
- "Per" is a Latin prefix meaning "thoroughly" or "completely".
- "Fluorine" is a chemical element with the symbol "F" and atomic number 9. It is a highly reactive pale yellow gas and the lightest member of the halogen elements.
When combined, the word "perfluorinated" indicates that all the hydrogen atoms in the compound have been replaced with fluorine atoms, resulting in a compound saturated with fluorine.
