1,1,2,2,3,3,4,4,4-Nonafluorobutane-1-sulphonic acid stands out in the world of specialty chemicals. This compound shows up with strong physical stability, a solid sense of presence in industrial processes, and a punchy reputation among environmental scientists. The typical product often takes the form of a solid or crystalline powder. Looking at it, one might notice flakes, a fine powder or, in some cases, chunky pearls. Rarely, it turns up as a thick, viscous liquid, but solid crystal and powder forms dominate most supply chains. The color tends to be white or off-white, sometimes translucent, and it gives off little to no odor, a detail that reassures folks handling tricky chemicals. Packing and shipment usually demand a tight seal and a keen eye to keep moisture at bay since even small traces can affect product flow or clump the material.
This acid’s backbone consists of carbon atoms lined up and heavily decorated with fluorine. Its molecular formula comes out as C4HF9O3S, which points to four carbons, one hydrogen, nine fluorines, three oxygens, and a single sulfur atom. The molecular weight lands at about 354.09 g/mol. That sulfur atom, double-bonded to a couple of those oxygens, gives the molecule acidic, persistent chemical punch, while the nine fluorines pack an unyielding stability into the structure. This perfluorinated arrangement means the acid shrugs off water, resists breaking down, and has a way of persisting—sometimes troublingly so—in natural environments. Its structure might draw out the worries of environmental chemists, especially with so many real-world stories about persistent organic pollutants.
1,1,2,2,3,3,4,4,4-Nonafluorobutane-1-sulphonic acid turns heads for several reasons. It usually shows a melting point between 35 and 60°C, with some grades softening just above room temperature. The density clocks in at about 1.7 to 1.9 g/cm3—far denser than water, so it sinks right to the bottom when mixed in aqueous solutions. Solubility poses less of a straightforward answer; it will dissolve in a few polar organic solvents, but in water, its behavior depends a bit on temperature and pH. Unlike many acids, it does not fizz or smoke in the air and rarely stains surfaces, but it can be hazardous to skin or eyes and needs careful handling in a ventilated workspace.
Suppliers offer 1,1,2,2,3,3,4,4,4-Nonafluorobutane-1-sulphonic acid at varying grades of purity — technical grade or high-purity, with a minimum assay rocketing above 98%. Whether as a powder, flakes, or crystalline solid, its appearance and flowability change with particle size and moisture. The HS Code, which helps customs folks keep tabs on cross-border shipments of chemicals, often falls under 2904.90, but some countries get more specific for fluorinated organosulfur acids. Spec sheets list items like pH (acidic, below 2 for 1% solution), solubility, melting point, and density alongside possible impurities—typically checked by analytical chemists through HPLC and NMR spectroscopy.
This chemical trickles into various industrial uses, including as a surfactant in cleaning, semiconductor etching, and in niche research projects targeting unique surface properties. Key material properties—chemical stability, high density, and strong acidity—make it attractive for processes that demand non-reactive, water-repellent surfaces. It works in small doses alongside other raw materials to shift chemical reactions or to help tweak the properties of finished products. Because of its fluorinated backbone, it serves well where other acids break down, and industries benefit from this longevity, although the same trait means it accumulates in the environment and the worry lingers about its ultimate fate.
Handling 1,1,2,2,3,3,4,4,4-Nonafluorobutane-1-sulphonic acid asks for gloves, goggles, and a nose for good ventilation. Direct skin contact can cause discomfort or burns, while inhaling the powder or its solution mist could irritate lungs. Disposal needs strong attention, as this chemical ranks among persistent organic pollutants. Traces can turn up in water, soil, and animal tissue years after use. From experience, chemists and factory workers keep strict procedures around the storage, cleanup, and transportation of this raw material. Material safety data sheets advise against dumping it down the drain or mixing it haphazardly with waste. Environmental regulators across regions are beginning to keep closer track, given global attention to PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), and companies are adjusting by seeking alternative materials or investing in better capture and destruction technologies. For now, responsible companies work with specialized waste handlers and pursue research on less stubborn chemical cousins.
