Perfluorobutane (PFB) is an inert, high-density colorless gas. It is a simple fluorocarbon with a n-butane skeleton and all the hydrogen atoms replaced with fluorine atoms.

Uses

Perfluorobutane can replace Halon 1301 in fire extinguishers, as well as the gas component for newer generation microbubble ultrasound contrast agents. Sonazoid is one such microbubble formulation developed by Amersham Health that uses perfluorobutane for the gas core.

Environmental impacts

If perfluorobutane is released to the environment, it will not be broken down in air. It is not expected to be broken down by sunlight. It will move into air from soil and water surfaces. If it is exposed to conditions of extreme heat from misuse, equipment failure, etc., toxic decomposition products including hydrogen fluoride can be produced.

Perfluorobutane has an estimated lifetime greater than 2600 years and a high global warming potential value of 10,000 over 100 years.