Substance profile
Tetrafluoroethylene
Tetrafluoroethylene is a colorless gas and is odorless.
01 · Identification
What Tetrafluoroethylene is
Tetrafluoroethylene is a colorless gas and is odorless. Its molecular formula is C2F4 and its molecular weight is 100.01 g/mol. It boils at -75.9 °C, melts at -131 °C.
Under the GHS it carries the signal word Danger. It is classed as carcinogens.
02 · Identifiers
Tetrafluoroethylene identifiers and molecular data
Tetrafluoroethylene CAS number and EC number
Tetrafluoroethylene molecular formula and molecular weight
03 · GHS classification
Tetrafluoroethylene hazard classification
Harmonised classification under CLP Annex VI. This is the legally binding classification in the EU; other jurisdictions may differ.
Tetrafluoroethylene pictograms and signal word
Tetrafluoroethylene hazard class and category
| Hazard class | Category | From code | Pictogram |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carcinogenicity GHS chapter 3.6 | Category 1A or 1B | H350 | GHS08 |
Where two values are shown with “or”, the hazard statement is shared by more than one category or by more than one class, and the code alone does not say which. H272, for example, belongs to oxidising liquids and to oxidising solids — the physical state decides. The binding answer for a specific entry is in the CLP Annex VI table itself.
Tetrafluoroethylene hazard statements (H-codes)
| Code | Hazard statement |
|---|---|
| H350 | May cause cancer <state route of exposure if it is conclusively proven that no other routes of exposure cause the hazard>. |
This page lists only the codes assigned to Tetrafluoroethylene. The full reference lives on the hazard statements hub, the precautionary statements hub and the GHS pictograms hub.
Safety Data Sheet
Getting an SDS for Tetrafluoroethylene
A Safety Data Sheet is written for a product, not for a substance: the supplier of the grade you actually buy issues it, so two suppliers of Tetrafluoroethylene issue two different sheets. That is why there is no single authoritative SDS for a substance to download — what there is, is the job of collecting the sheets for the products you hold and keeping them current as suppliers revise them.
04 · Precautionary statements
Tetrafluoroethylene precautionary statements
CLP Annex VI assigns 4 precautionary statements to Tetrafluoroethylene. They are grouped the way a label groups them: what to do before handling, what to do when something has already happened, how to store it and how to dispose of it.
Prevention
What to do before and during handling so the hazard never happens.
Response
What to do once exposure, spillage or fire has already happened.
Reading the notation. … is a blank the supplier fills in — not a truncated sentence.· [square brackets] mark a part printed only when it applies.
05 · Names in the regulation
Tetrafluoroethylene name in 23 EU languages
CLP Annex VI Part 3 is published in every language edition of the regulation, and the identification column is written out in each of them. Nothing below is translated by us: each line is the name as that edition prints it. Under Art. 18(2) the substance name from Annex VI is a lawful product identifier, so this is the wording to put on a label going to that market — and where the cell lists several designations, any one of them qualifies.
| Language | Name in CLP Annex VI Part 3 |
|---|---|
| Bulgarian български | тетрафлуороетилен |
| Spanish español | Tetrafluoretileno |
| Czech čeština | tetrafluorethylen |
| Danish dansk | tetrafluorethylen |
| German Deutsch | Tetrafluorethylen |
| Estonian eesti | tetrafluoroetüleen |
| Greek ελληνικά | τετραφθοροαιθυλένιο |
| English English | tetrafluoroethylene |
| French français | tétrafluoroéthylène |
| Croatian hrvatski | tetrafluoroetilen |
| Italian italiano | tetrafluoroetilene |
| Latvian latviešu | tetrafluoretilēns |
| Lithuanian lietuvių | tetrafluoretilenas |
| Hungarian magyar | tetrafluoretilén |
| Maltese Malti | tetrafluworoetilen |
| Dutch Nederlands | tetrafluorethyleen |
| Polish polski | tetrafluoroetylen |
| Portuguese português | tetrafluoroetileno |
| Romanian română | tetrafluoroetilenă |
| Slovak slovenčina | tetrafluóretén |
| Slovenian slovenščina | tetrafluoroetilen |
| Finnish suomi | tetrafluorietyleeni |
| Swedish svenska | tetrafluoretylen |
All 23 language editions of Annex VI carry this entry. Irish is the twenty-fourth official EU language and has no line here for a different reason: no consolidated CLP text has ever been published in Irish, so there is no Irish edition of Annex VI to quote a name from. Source: consolidated CLP, CELEX 02008R1272, language editions. © European Union, https://eur-lex.europa.eu — only the electronic Official Journal of the European Union is authentic.
06 · Label elements
Tetrafluoroethylene GHS label elements
Everything CLP Annex VI fixes for Tetrafluoroethylene, laid out the way it appears on a label. The greyed lines are the parts only the supplier can fill in.
Danger
Tetrafluoroethylene
- May cause cancer <state route of exposure if it is conclusively proven that no other routes of exposure cause the hazard>.
- Obtain special instructions before use.
- Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection/hearing protection/…
- IF exposed or concerned:
- Get medical advice/attention.
Supplier name, address and telephone number· Product identifier·Nominal quantity
Need this as an actual label? Open Tetrafluoroethylene in the GHS label constructor →
07 · Health hazards
Tetrafluoroethylene health hazards and exposure limits
Tetrafluoroethylene hazard summary
In acute animal studies, causes kidney injury at concentrations of 2000 to 6000 ppm; In chronic animal studies, causes hepatic tumors and renal degeneration at 156 ppm and malignant liver and kidney tumors at 312 ppm; [ACGIH] A simple asphyxiant at high concentrations; [NJ-HSFS] Tetrafluoroethylene is a skin irritant. [Quick CPC] Causes somnolence in lethal-dose inhalation studies of mice and guinea pigs; [RTECS] Tetrafluoroethylene, stabilized (UN1081) has warning of explosive polymerization; [ERG 2016]
Source: Haz-Map, Information on Hazardous Chemicals and Occupational Diseases
Tetrafluoroethylene carcinogenicity classification
Under the conditions of these 2-year inhalation studies, there was clear evidence of carcinogenic activity of tetrafluoroethylene in male F344/N rats based on increased incidences of renal tubule neoplasms (mainly adenomas) and hepatocellular neoplasms. There was clear evidence of carcinogenic activity of tetrafluoroethylene in female F344/N rats based on increased incidences of renal tubule neoplasms, liver hemangiosarcomas, hepatocellular neoplasms, and mononuclear cell leukemia. There was clear evidence of carcinogenic activity of tetrafluoroethylene in male and female B6C3F1 mice based on increased incidences of liver hemangiomas and hemangiosarcomas, hepatocellular neoplasms, and histiocytic sarcomas.
Source: US National Toxicology Program · TR-450: Toxicology and Carcinogenesis Studies of Tetrafluoroethylene (CASRN 116-14-3) in F344 Rats and B6C3F1 Mice (Inhalation Studies) (1997 )
Evaluation: No epidemiological data relevant to the carcinogenicity of tetrafluoroethylene were available. There is sufficient evidence in experimental animals for the carcinogenicity of tetrafluoroethylene. Overall evaluation: Tetrafluoroethylene is possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B).
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Tetrafluoroethylene: reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
An IARC group and a CLP classification answer different questions. IARC judges whether the evidence for cancer in humans is strong enough; CLP Annex VI is the legally binding EU classification. A substance can carry one and not the other.
08 · Physical and chemical properties
Tetrafluoroethylene properties
Every value is shown with the conditions it was measured under and the source it came from. Where sources disagree, all values are listed rather than one being picked — the difference is usually a different form of the substance, not an error.
Tetrafluoroethylene boiling point
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boiling point | -75.9 °C (-104.6 °F) | HSDB | |
| -76.28 °C (-105.3 °F) | at 760 mmHg | CAMEO |
Tetrafluoroethylene melting point
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Melting point | -131.15 °C (-204.1 °F) | HSDB | |
| -142.5 °C (-224.5 °F) | CAMEO | ||
| -131.2 °C (-204.2 °F) | ICSC |
Tetrafluoroethylene density
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Density | 1.519 g/cm³ | at -76 °C | HSDB |
| 0.58 g/cm³ | at -75.6 °C | HSDB | |
| 1.519 g/cm³ | at -76.11 °C | CAMEO |
Tetrafluoroethylene solubility
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solubility | Insoluble (NTP, 1992) | CAMEO | |
| In water, 1.59X10+2 mg/L at 25 °C | at 25 °C | HSDB | |
| Solubility in water, mg/l at 25 °C: 159 (very slightly soluble) | at 25 °C | ICSC |
Tetrafluoroethylene vapor pressure
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vapor pressure | 22800 mmHg | at 21.11 °C | CAMEO |
| 22100 mmHg | at 20 °C | ICSC | |
| 24500 mmHg | at 25 °C | HSDB |
Tetrafluoroethylene flash point
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flash point | 0 °C (32 °F) | below this value, Tetrafluoroethylene, inhibited | HSDB |
Tetrafluoroethylene autoignition temperature
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Autoignition temperature | 187.78 °C (370 °F) | HSDB | |
| 188 °C (370.4 °F) | ICSC |
Tetrafluoroethylene lower explosive limit (LEL)
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lower explosive limit (LEL) | 11 % by volume | Tetrafluoroethylene, inhibited | HSDB |
| 10 % by volume | CAMEO | ||
| 10.5 % by volume | calculated | ICSC |
Tetrafluoroethylene upper explosive limit (UEL)
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Upper explosive limit (UEL) | 60 % by volume | Tetrafluoroethylene, inhibited | HSDB |
| 50 % by volume | CAMEO | ||
| 59 % by volume | calculated | ICSC |
Tetrafluoroethylene vapor density
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vapor density | 3.87 (air = 1) | HSDB | |
| 3.9 (air = 1) | ICSC |
Tetrafluoroethylene critical temperature and pressure
| Property | Value | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Critical temperature and pressure | 33.3 °C (91.9 °F) | HSDB |
Values compiled from PubChem Laboratory Chemical Safety Summary. Temperatures converted to Fahrenheit for reference.
09 · Fire and explosion
Tetrafluoroethylene fire and explosion behaviour
These are descriptions rather than measured values, so they are kept out of the table above and quoted here with the source that reported them.
Tetrafluoroethylene fire potential
The gas is flammable when exposed to heat or flame.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
10 · Handling and storage
Tetrafluoroethylene storage and handling
Tetrafluoroethylene peroxide formation
A: Compounds that form explosive levels of peroxides without concentration
Source: Lab and Research Safety, University of Minnesota
Tetrafluoroethylene safe storage
Fireproof. Cool. Keep in a well-ventilated room. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions for proper storage conditions. Separated from : see Chemical Dangers.
Source: ILO-WHO International Chemical Safety Cards (ICSCs)
Tetrafluoroethylene storage conditions
/Cylinders containing tetrafluoroethylene under high pressure/ ... should be stored in a cool, well-ventilated area & protected against accidental impacts.
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Tetrafluoroethylene incompatible materials
Reacts violently with oxidizing materials. Inhibited monomer can decompose explosively when exposed to materials with which it can react exothermically or when exposed to fire conditions. /Tetrafluoroethylene, inhibited/
Source: Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)
Tetrafluoroethylene reactivity
TETRAFLUOROETHYLENE reacts with air (oxygen) to form polymeric peroxides that are explosive [Bretherick 1979 p. 164]. Probably susceptible to similar reactions with a number of oxidizing agents.May polymerize violently (inhibitor tends to prevent this reaction). May react violently with aluminum. Contamination of a tetrafluoroethylene gas supply system led to a reaction between the inhibitor, limonene, and the contaminant, iodine pentafluoride. This initiated an explosive polymerization event [MCA Case History No. 1520].
Source: CAMEO Chemicals
Planning storage for a mix of chemicals? Check Tetrafluoroethylene in the storage compatibility matrix →
11 · Transport
Tetrafluoroethylene UN number and transport classification
Transport classification is a separate system from the GHS classification above. It decides how a package is marked and how a load may be carried; it does not follow from the workplace label, and the workplace label does not follow from it. The entries below are linked by CAS number, never by name.
Tetrafluoroethylene under UN 1081 — shipping name, class and packing group
Europe · ADR 2025, Table A
| Proper shipping name (3.1.2) | Class | Classification code | PG | Labels (column 5) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TETRAFLUOROETHYLENE, STABILIZED | 2 | 2F | — | |
Source: ADR 2025, Table A of Chapter 3.2 · ECE/TRANS/352 Vol. I (UNECE). Class 2 is “Gases” (ADR 2.1.1.1).
United States · 49 CFR 172.101 Hazardous Materials Table
| Proper shipping name (column 2) | Class or division | PG | Labels (column 6) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tetrafluoroethylene, stabilized | 2.1 | — | |
Source: 49 CFR 172.101 Hazardous Materials Table · eCFR, revision 2026-08-03. Class 2.1 is “Flammable gas” (49 CFR 173.2).
12 · Questions
Tetrafluoroethylene — frequently asked questions
What is the CAS number of Tetrafluoroethylene?
The CAS number of Tetrafluoroethylene is 116-14-3. Its EC number is 204-126-9.
What is the chemical formula of Tetrafluoroethylene?
The molecular formula of Tetrafluoroethylene is C2F4 and its molecular weight is 100.01 g/mol.
What does a Tetrafluoroethylene label have to show?
Under CLP Annex VI the label for Tetrafluoroethylene carries the pictogram Health hazard and the signal word is Danger.
Is Tetrafluoroethylene flammable?
CLP Annex VI assigns Tetrafluoroethylene no flammability hazard class. That is not a statement that it cannot burn: the harmonised list only records the hazards that were assessed for it. The flash point reported for it is 0 °C (32 °F), below this value, Tetrafluoroethylene, inhibited (HSDB).
Is Tetrafluoroethylene a carcinogen?
Yes. CLP Annex VI classifies Tetrafluoroethylene as a category 1A or 1B carcinogen and assigns it H350: may cause cancer. IARC places it in Group 2A: probably carcinogenic to humans.
What is the boiling point of Tetrafluoroethylene?
The boiling point reported for Tetrafluoroethylene is -75.9 °C (-104.6 °F) (HSDB).
What is the melting point of Tetrafluoroethylene?
The melting point reported for Tetrafluoroethylene is -131.15 °C (-204.1 °F) (HSDB).
How should Tetrafluoroethylene be stored?
/Cylinders containing tetrafluoroethylene under high pressure/ ... should be stored in a cool, well-ventilated area & protected against accidental impacts. (Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB))
Nearby
Substances next to Tetrafluoroethylene
Keep going: substances starting with T, or search the whole database by name, CAS number, pictogram or signal word.