Question

The industrial usage of fluorocarbons is very high because: (a) They are unstable (b) They are gases (c) They can be manufactured cheaply (d) Their reactivity is high

Short answer

Due to their stability and non-reactivity, the best but incomplete answer among the given options is (c).

Step-by-step solution

Understanding the Context

Before analyzing the options, let's first understand what fluorocarbons are. Fluorocarbons are a class of chemicals which include carbon-fluorine bonds. They are often used in industries as refrigerants, solvents, and in the manufacture of various products.

Analyzing Each Option

Let's examine each provided choice: - Option (a): 'They are unstable' is incorrect, as fluorocarbons are known for their stability, not instability. - Option (b): 'They are gases' is not necessarily true since fluorocarbons can exist in various states, solids or liquids at room temperature. - Option (c): 'They can be manufactured cheaply' is partially correct but not the primary reason for their high use in industry. - Option (d): 'Their reactivity is high' is incorrect because fluorocarbons are known for their low reactivity due to strong carbon-fluorine bonds.

Identifying the Correct Reason

The crucial property of fluorocarbons that contributes to their industrial usefulness is their stability. Although not explicitly an option, the option that closely relates to this property and the others being incorrect helps us infer that none of the options fully encapsulate the main reason for their industrial application.

Conclusion

Since none of the provided options fully align with the primary reason for high industrial usage, it's important to focus on the properties of fluorocarbons like stability and non-reactivity in hazardous environments. However, among the given options, the least incorrect choice seems to be option (c) regarding cost-effectiveness, although it is not the main reason.

Key concepts

Industrial Applications

Fluorocarbons play a crucial role in numerous industrial applications due to their unique chemical properties. These compounds include strong carbon-fluorine bonds that make them ideal for use in environments that demand high chemical and thermal stability. For instance, they are widely used as refrigerants, which are essential in the cooling systems of air conditioners and refrigerators.
Another important application of fluorocarbons is in the manufacture of polymers, such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). PTFE is renowned for its non-stick properties and is commonly used in non-stick cookware, sealing tapes, and gaskets. This material is highly resistant to temperature extremes and corrosive chemicals, making it indispensable in various industrial processes. Additionally, fluorocarbons serve as solvents in the production of pharmaceuticals and electronic components, where high precision and resistance to degradation are necessary.

Chemical Stability

The chemical stability of fluorocarbons is one of the main reasons for their widespread industrial usage. This stability is primarily due to the strong carbon-fluorine bonds in their molecular structure. These bonds are among the strongest in organic chemistry and, as a result, they provide resistance to chemical reactions that would typically break down other substances.
Due to this impressive stability, fluorocarbons do not react easily with other chemicals, even under harsh conditions. This makes them particularly useful in applications where long-term durability and resistance to heat, acids, and bases are required. For example, in the aerospace industry, stable fluorocarbon-based materials are used to create components that must withstand extreme temperatures and reactive environments. Similarly, in the manufacturing of high-performance lubricants, the stability of fluorocarbons ensures that they effectively reduce wear and friction over extended periods.

Reactivity

Despite being highly stable and resistant to reaction, the low reactivity of fluorocarbons is also a key characteristic. This low reactivity is beneficial in many industrial applications where stability and safety are paramount. For instance, because fluorocarbons do not easily participate in reactions, they are used in environments where it is crucial to avoid unwanted chemical changes.
A practical example includes their use as inert gases in fire suppression systems. Here, their low reactivity ensures that they do not interfere with fire extinguishing processes. In the field of electronics, the inert properties of fluorocarbons make them suitable for use as dielectric materials, which are used to insulate components and prevent electric discharge. The non-reactivity of fluorocarbons not only safeguards the integrity of industrial processes but also enhances the safety and reliability of the products involved.

Manufacturing Cost

While not the primary driver of their use, the manufacturing cost of fluorocarbons is nonetheless an important consideration in industrial settings. Producing these compounds involves specific techniques that optimize the cost-effectiveness of their creation. Advances in production technology have led to more efficient and cost-effective methods of synthesizing fluorocarbons, which helps make them more accessible for widespread industrial use.
The ability to manufacture fluorocarbons at a relatively reasonable cost supports their integration into a variety of products and industries. Industries benefit significantly when expensive components can be replaced or supplemented with affordable alternatives. This financial accessibility allows manufacturers to leverage the properties of fluorocarbons without dramatically increasing production costs. Thus, while not the sole reason for their popularity in industries, affordable manufacturing does contribute to their availability and versatility in numerous applications.