Electro Plating, High-Purity Solvents

Potassium Perflurohexanesulfonate (FC 97)

Potassium Perfluorohexanesulfonate, commonly identified by the trade designation FC 97 and its CAS number 3871-99-6, is a significant perfluorinated anionic surfactant belonging to the perfluoroalkane sulfonate family. This crystalline solid is characterized by a six-carbon chain where all hydrogen atoms are replaced by fluorine, terminating in a sulfonate group with a potassium cation. Its unique molecular structure imparts exceptional thermal stability and chemical resistance, even under extremely harsh oxidative or acidic environments. Historically utilized as a high-performance wetting agent and flame retardant additive, FC 97 excels in reducing surface tension in aqueous and non-aqueous systems. Due to its perfluorinated nature, it exhibits both hydrophobic and oleophobic properties, making it indispensable for specific industrial processes. However, as a member of the PFAS group, its use is increasingly subject to stringent environmental regulations and global monitoring. Users must handle this compound with precise adherence to safety protocols while monitoring evolving international chemical.

Attributes

Key Features and Benefits

Exceptional Surface Tension Reduction: Lowers liquid surface energy at very low concentrations.
Superior Thermal Stability: Maintains chemical integrity at elevated temperatures exceeding 200 degrees Celsius.
High Chemical Resistance: Remains stable when exposed to strong acids, bases, and oxidizing agents.
Dual Repellency: Provides efficient hydrophobic and oleophobic characteristics to treated surfaces or mixtures.
Non-Flammability: Functions as a potent flame retardant synergist in polymer formulations.
High Purity: Manufactured to rigorous technical standards ensuring consistent industrial performance.
Broad Compatibility: Integrates seamlessly into diverse solvent systems during manufacturing processes.
Efficient Wetting: Reduces contact angles effectively.
Long Shelf-life: Retains potency over extended periods under storage.

Specifications

Technical Highlights

Molecular Formula: C6F13KO3S.
Molecular Weight: Approximately 438.2 grams per mole.
Appearance: White to off-white crystalline powder or granules.
Solubility: Soluble in polar organic solvents and moderately soluble in water.
Chemical Structure: Linear perfluorinated hexyl chain attached to a terminal sulfonate group.
Critical Micelle Concentration: Demonstrates a low CMC value for high efficiency surfactant action.
pH Stability: Retains effectiveness across a wide pH range from 1 to 14.
Storage: Stable under ambient conditions when stored in sealed, moisture-proof containers.
Decomposition: Releases sulfur oxides and hydrogen fluoride upon extreme thermal degradation events.
Ionic Nature: Anionic species providing excellent electrostatic stabilization in suspensions.

Download Technical Data Sheet (TDS)

Practical industry uses

Applications

Metal Plating: Acts as a mist suppressant in decorative and hard chrome plating baths.
Polymer Processing: Serves as a processing aid and internal flame retardant for polycarbonate resins.
Firefighting Foams: Component in specific Aqueous Film Forming Foams for suppressing Class B fires.
Electronic Manufacturing: Utilized as a wetting agent for photoresist stripping and semiconductor etching fluids.
Textile Treatment: Provides durable water and oil repellency to high-performance technical fabrics.
Industrial Cleaners: Enhances wetting and penetration in heavy-duty degreasing formulations.
Chemical Intermediates: Used in synthesizing specialized perfluorinated derivatives for research and development.
Leather Finishing: Imparts soil resistance to high-quality premium finished leather.