Octafluorocyclobutane (chemical formula: C₄F₈) is an organic compound belonging to the class of perfluorocycloalkanes. It consists of a cyclic structure composed of four carbon atoms and eight fluorine atoms, giving it excellent chemical stability and thermal stability. Under normal temperature and pressure, octafluorocyclobutane is a colorless gas with a relatively low boiling point and high density.
Octafluorocyclobutane is chemically stable, non-toxic, environmentally friendly, and characterized by a low Global Warming Potential (GWP) and a zero Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP). As a result, it is considered a green specialty gas. High-purity octafluorocyclobutane (5N purity and above) is widely used as an etching and cleaning gas in ultra-large-scale integrated circuit (ULSI) manufacturing.
Research into the synthesis and purification of octafluorocyclobutane began relatively early overseas, and industrial-scale production has been achieved in several developed regions. In recent years, with the rapid growth of China’s chemical and electronics industries, demand for octafluorocyclobutane has increased steadily. Consequently, its production and purification technologies have attracted increasing attention, and the compound shows strong long-term application potential.
Manufacturing Process of Octafluorocyclobutane
The mainstream industrial production method for octafluorocyclobutane is the tetrafluoroethylene (TFE) dimerization process. In this process, tetrafluoroethylene is used as the raw material and polymerized in tubular or batch reactors. Polymerization inhibitors such as dimethyl sulfate, ethylene, aqueous ammonia, or terpenes are added to control the reaction.
The reaction typically takes place at temperatures ranging from 400°C to 750°C and pressures between 0.005 and 0.1 MPa, resulting in the formation of octafluorocyclobutane.
Typical Purity Grades and Applications of Octafluorocyclobutane (C₄F₈)
| Purity Grade | Typical Purity Level | Main Application Areas | Application Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Industrial Grade | ≥ 99.9% | Refrigerants, foaming agents, aerosol propellants, heat pump working fluids | Cost-effective, suitable for large-volume industrial applications where ultra-high purity is not required |
| High Purity Grade | ≥ 99.999% (5N) | Semiconductor etching, optical fiber manufacturing, display panel processing | High chemical stability and low impurity content, meeting the requirements of precision electronic manufacturing |
| Ultra-High Purity Grade | ≥ 99.99999% (7N) | Advanced integrated circuits, ultra-large-scale IC (ULSI) fabrication, high-end electronic processes | Extremely low impurity levels, designed for the most demanding semiconductor and microelectronics applications |
Application Areas and Purity Classification
Octafluorocyclobutane has a broad range of applications. In recent years, it has been widely used as a refrigerant to replace banned chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). It is also commonly applied as a gas-insulating medium, solvent, aerosol propellant, foaming agent, large-scale integrated circuit etchant, heat pump working fluid, and as a raw material for producing C₂F₄ and C₃F₆ monomers.
Based on purity levels, octafluorocyclobutane is typically classified into 99.9%, 99.999%, and 99.99999% grades. Among these, high-purity products of 5N and above are primarily used as etching or cleaning gases in integrated circuits and optical fiber manufacturing, where they are seeing increasingly widespread adoption.
Market Development and Industry Trends in China
In recent years, continuous development in the refrigeration, foaming materials, electronics and electrical, and chemical industries has driven Chinese enterprises to expand their octafluorocyclobutane production capacity. In particular, the rapid growth of the semiconductor and display panel industries—and their strong market prospects—has encouraged domestic companies to actively invest in high-purity octafluorocyclobutane production.
According to industry research data, China’s octafluorocyclobutane output reached nearly 1,500 metric tons in 2021, becoming an important contributor to global supply growth.
Policy Support and Future Outlook
From a policy perspective, China has identified integrated circuits and their key materials as priority industries under national development plans, including the 14th Five-Year Plan and the 2035 Long-Term Development Goals. Integrated circuits are further recognized as a foundational industry in national information technology and digital economy development strategies.
Driven by both policy support and growing market demand, China’s electronics industry—represented by integrated circuits—is expected to enter a phase of accelerated growth. The localization and self-sufficiency of semiconductor, display panel, and other electronic industries, along with efforts to overcome critical supply bottlenecks, will inject strong momentum into the development of China’s high-purity octafluorocyclobutane industry and further expand its market size.
Broader Market Potential
China is a major global producer and consumer of products used in refrigeration, aerosols, foaming agents, and heat pump systems. As environmental regulations continue to tighten, octafluorocyclobutane—due to its environmentally friendly characteristics—is expected to replace more harmful legacy products, driving increased demand for lower-purity grades in these applications.
At the same time, advancements in domestic cylinder manufacturing and high-end valve technologies are improving the safety and convenience of storage and transportation, providing additional support for market expansion. Overall, both low-purity and high-purity octafluorocyclobutane markets offer broad development space and promising industry prospects.
About Jinhong Gas
Jinhong Gas is a professional supplier of industrial and electronic specialty gases, offering a comprehensive portfolio that includes high-purity octafluorocyclobutane, nitrogen, oxygen, helium, hydrogen, and other advanced gas products. Our specialty gases are produced under strict quality control systems to meet the demanding requirements of semiconductor manufacturing, display panels, refrigeration, and advanced materials applications.
With extensive experience in gas purification, safety management, and supply chain reliability, Jinhong Gas is committed to providing stable quality, secure delivery, and customized gas solutions to support our customers’ technological advancement and sustainable growth.
