One molecule of perfluorotributylamine traps as much heat as 1700 molecules of carbon dioxide. Green – fluorine, grey – carbon, blue – nitrogen.
Perfluorotributylamine is a non-reactive, long-lived substance that is used as a solvent and a heat transfer fluid in some specialized industries. A new study shows that it’s also a powerful greenhouse gas, producing as much warming as 7100 molecules of CO2 over a 100-year timeframe. Even though its concentration in the atmosphere is tiny (0.18 parts per trillion) its long lifetime and high warming potential lead the authors conclude that its effects on climate should be taken into account.
Original journal article published in Geophysical Research Letters on November 27, 2013.
Names and affiliations of selected authors:
Angela C. Hong Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto (Lead author)
Cora Young Department of Chemistry, Memorial University of Newfoundland (Co-author)
Scott Mabury, Department of Chemistry, University of Toronto (Final author)
