Norflurane

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Norflurane
IUPAC Name: 1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane
Other Names: R-134a; Freon 134a; Forane 134a
Identifiers
CAS Number
PubChem
ChemSpider
SMILES
InChI
InChIKey
StdInChI
StdInChIKey
Properties
Chemical formula CHNO
Appearance
Density
Melting Point
Boiling Point
Solubility
Hazards
Main Hazards
Flash Point
Autoignition Temperature


Norflurane, also known by its chemical formula C2H2F4 and commonly referred to as R-134a, is a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) used primarily as a high-temperature refrigerant for domestic refrigeration and automobile air conditioners. Norflurane is also used as a propellant in pharmaceutical delivery systems and as a blowing agent in foam plastics.

Properties[edit | edit source]

Norflurane is a colorless, non-flammable gas under ambient conditions and has a slightly ether-like odor. It is chemically stable but can decompose under high temperature to form hazardous products such as hydrofluoric acid.

Applications[edit | edit source]

      1. Refrigeration

Norflurane is widely used in the refrigeration industry due to its low toxicity and relatively good efficiency. It has been adopted as a replacement for chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) which are known to cause ozone depletion.

      1. Medical Use

In the medical field, Norflurane is utilized as a propellant in metered-dose inhalers (MDIs) for medications used in treating asthma and other respiratory conditions.

      1. Foam Blowing

Norflurane serves as a blowing agent in the production of foam plastics, contributing to the material's insulation properties.

Environmental Impact[edit | edit source]

Although Norflurane does not deplete the ozone layer, it is a potent greenhouse gas with a high global warming potential (GWP). Efforts are ongoing to find more environmentally friendly alternatives with lower GWP.

Safety[edit | edit source]

Norflurane is generally safe for use in various applications but should be handled with care to avoid inhalation in high concentrations, which can lead to asphyxiation.

Regulation[edit | edit source]

Due to its environmental impact, the use of Norflurane is regulated under various international agreements and standards aimed at reducing emissions and eventually phasing out substances with high global warming potential.

WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD