Parachlorobenzotrifluoride is a synthetic halogenated organic chemical compound with the molecular formula . It is frequently abbreviated PCBTF. Parachlorobenzotrifluoride is a colorless liquid with a distinct aromatic odor. PCBTF has been commercially-produced since the 1960s, initially as an intermediate in the production of other petrochemicals. But since the 1990s, it has been primarily used as a solvent.

History

Occidental Chemical Corporation was a leading producer and sold it as part of its Oxsol® product line, specifically under the brand name of Oxsol 100.MSDS provided by Islechem
/ref> Occidental Chemical Corporation sold the OXSOL line to an Israeli company, Makhteshim Agan Industries, Ltd., in 2002.

Uses

PCBTF is increasingly used as a xylene replacement in cleaners, thinners, and other aromatic hydrocarbon blends. PCBTF is used as a component (5-12%) of low volatile organic compound (VOC) compliant polyurethane finishes. The substance is used as an ink solvent in the printing industry. Parachlorobenzotrifluoride has a high capacity for dissolving many inks used by the printing industry. In most cases, up to 22 grams of ink can be dissolved in 20 grams of PCBTF. An added benefit is that parachlorobenzotrifluoride dissolves most inks faster than

toluene Toluene (), also known as toluol (), is a substituted aromatic hydrocarbon with the chemical formula , often abbreviated as , where Ph stands for the phenyl group. It is a colorless, water Water is an inorganic compound with the c ...

Health and Environmental effects

Health effects: * Points of entry: eyes, ingestion, inhalation, skin. * Target organs: central nervous system, kidneys, liver. * Irritancy: eyes, respiratory tract, skin In the

troposphere The troposphere is the lowest layer of the atmosphere of Earth. It contains 80% of the total mass of the Atmosphere, planetary atmosphere and 99% of the total mass of water vapor and aerosols, and is where most weather phenomena occur. From the ...

, PCBTF has an estimated

half-life Half-life is a mathematical and scientific description of exponential or gradual decay. Half-life, half life or halflife may also refer to: Film * Half-Life (film), ''Half-Life'' (film), a 2008 independent film by Jennifer Phang * ''Half Life: ...

of 67 days. It is transformed by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals to give mainly 2-chloro-5-trifluoromethylphenol.

Regulation

PCBTF currently has VOC Exempt status from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. However, California's Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) has adopted inhalation risk factors for PCBTF as of June 2019, which could have implications for its ongoing VOC Exempt status.p-Chloro-α,α,α-trifluorotoluene (p-Chlorobenzotrifluoride, PCBTF) - Cancer Inhalation Unit Risk Factor Scientific Review Panel Draft - January 2020 - California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment
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References

{{Reflist Halogenated solvents 4-Chlorophenyl compounds Trifluoromethyl compounds