Definition

A type of chemical compound made by replacing all hydrogen atoms in a hydrocarbon with fluorine atoms.

Example

Perfluorocarbons are used in various applications, including as blood substitutes in medical treatments.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of perfluorocarbon compounds before?

Yeah, I think they’re used in some medical applications, right?

Exactly! They can even act as blood substitutes in some cases.

That's pretty fascinating! I didn't know they had such important uses.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Perfluorocarbon is formed from "per-" (meaning through or completely), "fluoro" (from Latin "fluorare", meaning to flow or to be in a gaseous state, referring to fluorine), and "carbon" (from Latin "carbo", meaning coal or carbon). The term describes a compound where all hydrogen atoms in a hydrocarbon are replaced by fluorine atoms, thus being completely fluorinated.

Memory Tip

Think of 'per-' meaning completely, and 'fluoro' relating to the gaseous element fluorine, combined with 'carbon' to remember that perfluorocarbon refers to a carbon compound fully saturated with fluorine.

Visually Confused Words