Teflon

In-depth explanation of Teflon

Polytetrafluoroethylene, PTFE, is a polymer of tetrafluoroethylene with the repeating unit -(CF2-CF2)n-. The carbon-fluorine bonds are among the strongest single bonds in organic chemistry, and the fluorine atoms form a dense, low-energy sheath around the carbon backbone. This gives PTFE chemical inertness, thermal stability up to about 260 C, very low friction and poor wetting by liquids. It is used for non-stick cookware, seals, gaskets and laboratory equipment. Roy Plunkett discovered it by accident in 1938.

Going deeper: Teflon

Key ideas: Polytetrafluoroethylene, PTFE, from tetrafluoroethene, CF2=CF2, by free radical addition. The C-F bond (about 485 kJ per mole) is one of the strongest, fluorine sheath shields the chain, giving chemical inertness, very low friction (coefficient about 0.04) and stability to about 260 C. Used in nonstick pans, gaskets, and seals.

Common mistakes and connections: Students think food sticks less because Teflon is smooth; the real cause is low surface energy and weak intermolecular forces. It degrades above about 300 C releasing toxic fumes. Older manufacture used PFOA, a persistent pollutant. Links to electronegativity, polymer chemistry and bioaccumulation.

Visualization of Teflon

Average bond energies. The strong C-F bond helps give PTFE its chemical inertness and thermal stability. The interactive lesson shows this as a live animation or chart.

Worked example and use case

Water beads up and rolls off a PTFE-coated pan because the surface has very low surface energy.

Where Teflon fits in Biochemistry, Environment & Industry

Teflon is topic 58 of 127 in Biochemistry, Environment & Industry.

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