Chlorotrifluoroethylene

(CF₂ = CFC1), a colorless gas with boiling point - 28.4°C; very poorly soluble in water, but readily soluble in organic solvents.

Chlorotrifluoroethylene has properties characteristic of fluorinated olefins; it readily undergoes radical polymerization and copolymerization with various vinyl monomers, such as tetrafluoroethylene, vinylidene fluoride, and ethylene. The compound is obtained by the dechlorination of 1,1,2-trichloro-1,2,2-trifluoroethane, CFC1₂—CF₂C1, in the presence of zinc. It is stored in steel tanks. Inhibitors (1 percent tributylamine or dipentene) are added to prevent spontaneous polymerization.

Chlorotrifluoroethylene forms explosive mixtures with air in concentrations of 28.5–35.2 percent. It is used mainly for the production of polychlorotrifluoroethylene (a fluoroplastic), the co-polymer of chlorotrifluoroethylene with vinylidene fluoride, and chlorotrifluoroethylene telomers, which are used in the manufacture of chemically and thermally stable lubricants.