Perfluoro-1,3-dimethylcyclohexane

Perfluoro-1,3-dimethylcyclohexane is a fluorocarbon liquid&mdash;a perfluorinated derivative of the hydrocarbon 1,3-dimethylcyclohexane. It is chemically and biologically inert.

Manufacture
Perfluoro-1,3-dimethylcyclohexane can be manufactured by the Fowler process, which involves moderating the action of elemental fluorine with cobalt fluoride in the gas phase from meta-xylene. This is preferred as the starting material over 1,3-dimethylcyclohexane as less fluorine is required.

Properties
Perfluoro-1,3-dimethylcyclohexane is chemically inert and thermally stable (to over 400 °C).

It is a clear, colorless liquid, with a relatively high density, low viscosity and low surface tension that will rapidly evaporate. It is a relatively good solvent for gases, but a poor solvent for solids and liquids.

In common with other cyclic perfluorocarbons, perfluoro-1,3-dimethylcyclohexane can be detected at extremely low concentrations, making it ideal as a tracer.

Applications

 * Heat transfer agent
 * Dielectric fluid
 * Perfluorocarbon tracer