Quality assurance of Perfluorocarbons as fire distinguishers.
Fully fluorinated compounds, such as perfluorocarbons (PFCs) have been used as fire extinguishing agents in specialized applications. These compounds due to their remarkable physical and chemical properties make them suitable for firefighting purposes with high efficiency. PFCs are classified as volatile halogen-containing agents, thus it’s crucial to consider the environmental consequences and the potential impact on human health. Prior research has demonstrated that exposure in such material is affiliated with cardiac sensitization effect. Hence, to ensure safety and eliminate adverse effects, the agent and the recycled agent shall meet standard quality criteria, which are represented in the table.
Barrier for NMR Spectroscopy? Not, really.
The absence of protons in the structure creates a true challenge for 1H-NMR spectroscopy, but an opportunity for breakthrough method development. Combining 19F-NMR spectroscopy with the well-known 1H-NMR spectroscopy, molecules with such chemical structure, can undergo into complete qualitative and quantitative analysis. The distinguished natural abundance of 19F, as an active NMR nucleus, leads to high sensitivity measurements with very low detection limit. Making feasible to detect impurities that exist in less than 1% w/w in the fire suppressant agent’s matrix, which can result in acute toxicity.
Impurity investigation: the case of C6F12O.
In the case of the fire suppressant agent C6F12O it has been observed that impurities such as Hexafluoropropylene thermodynamic and kinetic dimers, in content less than 1% w/w can cause acute toxicity. The lack of protons in the chemical structure renders them impossible to analyze using traditional 1H-NMR spectroscopy. Conversely, 19F-NMR spectroscopy is a robust technique for distinguishing impurities of such nature and content level, fast and accurate. Therefore, ensuring high quality of fully fluorinated agents that meets all safety criteria.
As a GMP/GLP-certified, FDA approved and independent testing laboratory, we are thrilled to analyze your samples according to GxP standards and provide state of the art results.
