For decades, the specialty chemical industry relied on 3M™ Performance Fluids for critical thermal management and precision cleaning. However, with 3M’s strategic decision to exit all PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) manufacturing by the end of 2025, the global supply chain for PF-5080 is facing an unprecedented disruption.
For industries ranging from semiconductor manufacturing to aerospace engineering, the search for a viable, high-performance alternative is no longer a future consideration—it is an operational mandate. Perfluorooctane (CAS 307-34-6) has emerged as the premier "drop-in" replacement. This article explores the technical nuances, chemical stability, and application-specific benefits of our high-purity Perfluorooctane, designed to ensure your systems continue to run without a second of downtime.
Perfluorooctane, also known by its chemical formula $C_8F_{18}$, is a perfluorocarbon (PFC) liquid. Unlike traditional hydrocarbons, every hydrogen atom in the octane chain is replaced by a fluorine atom.
The carbon-fluorine bond is one of the strongest in organic chemistry. This molecular structure gives Perfluorooctane its most valuable industrial properties:
Chemical Inertness: It does not react with acids, bases, or oxidizing agents.
Thermal Stability: It can withstand high temperatures without breaking down into corrosive byproducts.
Low Surface Tension: It can penetrate microscopic crevices that water or oils cannot reach.
At room temperature, our CAS 307-34-6 is a clear, colorless, and odorless liquid. It possesses a high density (nearly twice that of water), which is a key factor in its effectiveness as a heat transfer medium.
The primary goal for any procurement manager is to find a replacement that requires zero hardware modification. Below is the technical breakdown showing why CAS 307-34-6 is the identical twin of PF-5080.
| Technical Property | 3M PF-5080 | Our CAS 307-34-6 |
| Boiling Point | 101°C | 102°C - 104°C |
| Pour Point | -95°C | -90°C |
| Density (25°C) | 1.77 g/cm³ | 1.76 - 1.78 g/cm³ |
| Dielectric Strength | >40 kV | >40 kV |
| Kinematic Viscosity | 0.8 cSt | 0.7 - 0.9 cSt |
| Surface Tension | 15 dynes/cm | 14 - 16 dynes/cm |
| Solubility in Water | <10 ppm | <10 ppm |
The Verdict: Because the boiling point and dielectric properties match almost perfectly, our fluid can be added to systems designed for PF-5080 with minimal recalibration of thermal sensors or pressure valves.
In electronic cooling, the fluid is often in direct contact with energized circuits. This is where Dielectric Strength becomes the most critical metric.
With a dielectric strength of $>40 kV$ (measured across a $2.5 mm$ gap), Perfluorooctane acts as a high-performance insulator. It prevents arcing in high-voltage environments, such as:
X-Ray Transformers: Preventing electrical discharge in medical imaging.
Power Electronics: Cooling IGBTs in high-speed trains and renewable energy inverters.
The low dielectric constant of CAS 307-34-6 ensures that the fluid does not interfere with the signal integrity of high-frequency electronics, making it ideal for 5G infrastructure and radar systems.
In the semiconductor industry, chips must be tested at specific temperature setpoints. Perfluorooctane is used in Automated Test Equipment (ATE) to maintain a constant thermal environment. Its rapid heat transfer capabilities ensure that chips do not experience "hot spots" during high-stress electrical testing.
The rise of AI and Large Language Models (LLMs) has pushed server power density to the limit. Traditional air cooling cannot dissipate the heat generated by modern GPUs.
The Process: The server components are submerged in CAS 307-34-6. As the chips heat up, the fluid boils at 102°C, carrying away massive amounts of heat through latent heat of vaporization.
The Benefit: This method can reduce data center energy consumption by up to 90% compared to traditional CRAC units.
In high-altitude environments, electronics are subject to extreme temperature swings. Perfluorooctane remains liquid at -90°C and stable at +100°C, providing a reliable cooling loop for airborne radar and satellite communication arrays.
A common fear when switching chemicals is the degradation of seals and gaskets. Our Perfluorooctane has been tested extensively for compatibility.
Metals: Fully compatible with Stainless Steel, Aluminum, Copper, and Brass. It does not cause pitting or oxidation.
Plastics: Safe for use with PTFE (Teflon), PFA, and FEP.
Elastomers: Compatible with EPDM and Viton. Note: While generally safe, we recommend testing with low-grade silicone seals, as some swelling may occur over long-term exposure.
While the industry is moving away from certain PFAS, it is important to distinguish the safety profile of Perfluorooctane.
Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP): 0.00. It does not damage the ozone layer.
Flash Point: None. The fluid is non-flammable and non-combustible, providing an inherent safety layer in industrial settings.
Toxicity: CAS 307-34-6 is considered non-toxic to humans under normal handling conditions.
To ensure a successful transition, follow these engineering steps:
System Drainage: Completely drain the old 3M PF-5080 from the reservoir and lines.
Filter Replacement: Change all particulate filters to ensure no residual contaminants are carried over.
Compatibility Check: Verify that all O-rings are in good condition.
Gradual Top-off: While our fluid is miscible with PF-5080, we recommend a 100% replacement for the first fill to maintain the purity and precise boiling point.
Q: Can I mix CAS 307-34-6 directly with my remaining 3M PF-5080?
A: Yes, they are chemically compatible and will not react. However, for precise two-phase cooling applications, mixing may slightly alter the boiling point curve.
Q: What is the shelf life of your Perfluorooctane?
A: When stored in the original, sealed container in a cool, dry place, the shelf life is 5 years.
Q: Is this product REACH and TSCA compliant?
A: Yes, our manufacturing process complies with global regulatory standards, and we provide full SDS documentation with every shipment.
The departure of 3M from the market does not have to be a crisis for your engineering team. By choosing Perfluorooctane (CAS 307-34-6), you are selecting a fluid that matches the performance of PF-5080 while offering superior purity and long-term availability.
Ready to validate the performance in your system? Contact our technical team today for a sample and a detailed Certificate of Analysis (COA).
For decades, the specialty chemical industry relied on 3M™ Performance Fluids for critical thermal management and precision cleaning. However, with 3M’s strategic decision to exit all PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) manufacturing by the end of 2025, the global supply chain for PF-5080 is facing an unprecedented disruption.
For industries ranging from semiconductor manufacturing to aerospace engineering, the search for a viable, high-performance alternative is no longer a future consideration—it is an operational mandate. Perfluorooctane (CAS 307-34-6) has emerged as the premier "drop-in" replacement. This article explores the technical nuances, chemical stability, and application-specific benefits of our high-purity Perfluorooctane, designed to ensure your systems continue to run without a second of downtime.
Perfluorooctane, also known by its chemical formula $C_8F_{18}$, is a perfluorocarbon (PFC) liquid. Unlike traditional hydrocarbons, every hydrogen atom in the octane chain is replaced by a fluorine atom.
The carbon-fluorine bond is one of the strongest in organic chemistry. This molecular structure gives Perfluorooctane its most valuable industrial properties:
Chemical Inertness: It does not react with acids, bases, or oxidizing agents.
Thermal Stability: It can withstand high temperatures without breaking down into corrosive byproducts.
Low Surface Tension: It can penetrate microscopic crevices that water or oils cannot reach.
At room temperature, our CAS 307-34-6 is a clear, colorless, and odorless liquid. It possesses a high density (nearly twice that of water), which is a key factor in its effectiveness as a heat transfer medium.
The primary goal for any procurement manager is to find a replacement that requires zero hardware modification. Below is the technical breakdown showing why CAS 307-34-6 is the identical twin of PF-5080.
| Technical Property | 3M PF-5080 | Our CAS 307-34-6 |
| Boiling Point | 101°C | 102°C - 104°C |
| Pour Point | -95°C | -90°C |
| Density (25°C) | 1.77 g/cm³ | 1.76 - 1.78 g/cm³ |
| Dielectric Strength | >40 kV | >40 kV |
| Kinematic Viscosity | 0.8 cSt | 0.7 - 0.9 cSt |
| Surface Tension | 15 dynes/cm | 14 - 16 dynes/cm |
| Solubility in Water | <10 ppm | <10 ppm |
The Verdict: Because the boiling point and dielectric properties match almost perfectly, our fluid can be added to systems designed for PF-5080 with minimal recalibration of thermal sensors or pressure valves.
In electronic cooling, the fluid is often in direct contact with energized circuits. This is where Dielectric Strength becomes the most critical metric.
With a dielectric strength of $>40 kV$ (measured across a $2.5 mm$ gap), Perfluorooctane acts as a high-performance insulator. It prevents arcing in high-voltage environments, such as:
X-Ray Transformers: Preventing electrical discharge in medical imaging.
Power Electronics: Cooling IGBTs in high-speed trains and renewable energy inverters.
The low dielectric constant of CAS 307-34-6 ensures that the fluid does not interfere with the signal integrity of high-frequency electronics, making it ideal for 5G infrastructure and radar systems.
In the semiconductor industry, chips must be tested at specific temperature setpoints. Perfluorooctane is used in Automated Test Equipment (ATE) to maintain a constant thermal environment. Its rapid heat transfer capabilities ensure that chips do not experience "hot spots" during high-stress electrical testing.
The rise of AI and Large Language Models (LLMs) has pushed server power density to the limit. Traditional air cooling cannot dissipate the heat generated by modern GPUs.
The Process: The server components are submerged in CAS 307-34-6. As the chips heat up, the fluid boils at 102°C, carrying away massive amounts of heat through latent heat of vaporization.
The Benefit: This method can reduce data center energy consumption by up to 90% compared to traditional CRAC units.
In high-altitude environments, electronics are subject to extreme temperature swings. Perfluorooctane remains liquid at -90°C and stable at +100°C, providing a reliable cooling loop for airborne radar and satellite communication arrays.
A common fear when switching chemicals is the degradation of seals and gaskets. Our Perfluorooctane has been tested extensively for compatibility.
Metals: Fully compatible with Stainless Steel, Aluminum, Copper, and Brass. It does not cause pitting or oxidation.
Plastics: Safe for use with PTFE (Teflon), PFA, and FEP.
Elastomers: Compatible with EPDM and Viton. Note: While generally safe, we recommend testing with low-grade silicone seals, as some swelling may occur over long-term exposure.
While the industry is moving away from certain PFAS, it is important to distinguish the safety profile of Perfluorooctane.
Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP): 0.00. It does not damage the ozone layer.
Flash Point: None. The fluid is non-flammable and non-combustible, providing an inherent safety layer in industrial settings.
Toxicity: CAS 307-34-6 is considered non-toxic to humans under normal handling conditions.
To ensure a successful transition, follow these engineering steps:
System Drainage: Completely drain the old 3M PF-5080 from the reservoir and lines.
Filter Replacement: Change all particulate filters to ensure no residual contaminants are carried over.
Compatibility Check: Verify that all O-rings are in good condition.
Gradual Top-off: While our fluid is miscible with PF-5080, we recommend a 100% replacement for the first fill to maintain the purity and precise boiling point.
Q: Can I mix CAS 307-34-6 directly with my remaining 3M PF-5080?
A: Yes, they are chemically compatible and will not react. However, for precise two-phase cooling applications, mixing may slightly alter the boiling point curve.
Q: What is the shelf life of your Perfluorooctane?
A: When stored in the original, sealed container in a cool, dry place, the shelf life is 5 years.
Q: Is this product REACH and TSCA compliant?
A: Yes, our manufacturing process complies with global regulatory standards, and we provide full SDS documentation with every shipment.
The departure of 3M from the market does not have to be a crisis for your engineering team. By choosing Perfluorooctane (CAS 307-34-6), you are selecting a fluid that matches the performance of PF-5080 while offering superior purity and long-term availability.
Ready to validate the performance in your system? Contact our technical team today for a sample and a detailed Certificate of Analysis (COA).
