Perfluorocarbon

Perfluorocarbon (pronunciation: per-fluoro-carbon), often abbreviated as PFC, is a type of compound that contains only carbon (C) and fluorine (F).

Etymology

The term "Perfluorocarbon" is derived from the Latin per meaning "through" or "across", and fluor meaning "flowing", combined with carbon, the chemical element. This refers to the compound's unique ability to carry gases like oxygen and carbon dioxide.

Description

Perfluorocarbons are colorless, odorless liquids or gases that have a very high capacity for carrying oxygen. They are chemically and biologically inert, meaning they do not react with other substances or interfere with biological processes. This makes them useful in a variety of medical and industrial applications.

Medical Applications

In medicine, perfluorocarbons are used in a process called liquid breathing, where they are used to fill the lungs and carry oxygen to the body's tissues. They are also used in eye surgery as a temporary replacement for the vitreous humor, the clear gel that fills the space between the lens and the retina.

Perfluorocarbons are also used in the manufacture of artificial blood products, due to their high oxygen-carrying capacity. These products can be used as a temporary substitute for blood in emergency situations or during surgery.

Related Terms

Fluorocarbon: A compound containing carbon and fluorine. Perfluorocarbons are a type of fluorocarbon where all the hydrogen atoms have been replaced by fluorine.
Liquid Breathing: A type of respiratory therapy where the lungs are filled with a liquid rich in oxygen, often a perfluorocarbon.
Artificial Blood: A product designed to replicate the oxygen-carrying function of blood. Some artificial blood products are made using perfluorocarbons.

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Perfluorocarbon
Wikipedia's article - Perfluorocarbon

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Perfluorocarbon