Difluoroethane

Difluoroethane, also called R-152a or HFC-152a, is a chemical compound composed of carbon, hydrogen, and fluorine. Its molecular formula is C2H4F2.

At standard temperature and pressure, it is a colourless gas. It is classified as a halogenated aliphatic. It is used for refrigeration (but is being phased out) and as an aerosol propellant. It is most commonly found in electronic cleaning products, and many consumer aerosol products that must meet stringent VOC requirements, but has recently been abused by children inhaling the substance and causing brain damage, e.g Dust-Off.

Physical information

 * Vapour pressure: 4020 mmHg/5360 hPa @ 21.1 °C
 * Vapour density (air=1): 2.28 @ 25 °C
 * Density: 2.7014 g/L @ 25 °C
 * Water solubility: 0.54% @ 0 °C
 * Viscosity: 0.00887 cP @ 25 °C

Safety

 * Major health hazards: central nervous system depressant.
 * Major physical hazards: Flammable gas. May cause flash fire.
 * When combusted, decomposes into hydrogen fluoride and carbon monoxide, both of which are dangerous:
 * 2 C2H4F2 + 3 O2 → 4 CO + 4 HF + 2 H2O


 * Some retail stores are no longer selling this product to people under the age of 21

Effects

 * Inhalation:
 * Short term: symptoms of drunkenness, suffocation
 * Long term: brain damage
 * Skin contact:
 * Short term: blood bites, frostbite
 * Long term: no data
 * Eye contact:
 * Short term: irritation, blurred vision
 * Long term: blindness
 * Ingestion:
 * Short term: frostbite
 * long term: brain problems