HP 152aAerosol Propellant

Technical Information
Introduction
Hydrofluorocarbon 152a (HFC-152a) is an aerosol
propellant containing no chlorine atoms, and, as such, falls
completely outside concerns about stratospheric ozone
destruction by chlorofluorocarbons or other chlorinatedhydrocarbons. It has zero ozone depletion potential (ODP),
and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has found it is
not a volatile organic compound (VOC), i.e., it has negligible
photochemical reactivity (55 FR 11418). The registeredargument has been used to describe the advantages ofhydrocarbon propellants; however, HP 152a has several
physical properties that make it superior to thehydrocarbon propellants for certain applications.
HP 152a has an lower explosive limit (LEL) of 3.9 volume
percent in air, and it does not give a flame extension or
flashback in the standard test used to measure theflammability of aerosol products. Isobutane, on the otherhand, has an LEL of 1.8 volume percent in air and gives aflame extension of greater than 22 inches when sprayedthrough a typical antiperspirant valve. As a result, HP 152atrademark of Chemours for HFC- 152a is HP 152a.

and HP 152a/hydrocarbon blends can be used to produce

HP 152a can be used alone or mixed with other common

flammability than their hydrocarbon-propelled counterparts.

aerosol propellants in a wide range of personal or industrial
product categories where the product is dispensed as aspray, e.g., hair spray, cologne, deodorant, etc. HP 152aalso produces excellent foams or mousses and is used in a
number of commercial aerosol foam products, e.g., hairaerosol formulations possessing a lower degree ofThis may be an advantage in products with high propellant
levels, e.g., antiperspirants.
HP 152a forms azeotropes with each of the three mostcommon hydrocarbon propellants and with HP DME

styling and skin conditioning mousses.

(dimethyl ether). The use of a HP 152a/hydrocarbon or HP

There has been recent renewed interest in HP 152a as achange during use of the aerosol product represents still

result of state regulations to limit VOC emissions from awide range of consumer products, including aerosol
products. HP 152a propellant may offer options to meetthese regulations in paints, adhesives, and other aerosol

152a/HP DME propellant blend whose composition will not
another attractive alternative.
The liquid density of HP 152a is 0.91 g/cc at 70 °F (21.1 °C)
compared to 0.56 g/cc for isobutane. This difference

products, including personal products, e.g., hair spray.

makes it possible to obtain reduced settling rates inThe vapor pressure of HP 152a is 63 psig at 70 °F (4.16

emulsion stability with aqueous-based products, andbar at 20 °C), which is close to that of CFC-12 or dimethyl
ether; furthermore, its low molecular weight (66.1) meansthat a low weight percent of propellant is generally required
to produce an acceptable degree of atomization. A similar

products containing suspended solids, improvements ingreater product net weights for equivalent container sizes
compared with hydrocarbon-based formulations. It iscompletely miscible with most organic liquids and otheractive ingredients used in aerosol formulations, and has avery low taste and odor level. Furthermore, the solubility

HP 152aAerosol Propellantof HP 152a in water and its strong resistance tostress with a large intravenous dose of adrenalin, cardiac

hydrolysis allow its use in a variety of water-based

sensitization was not observed at exposure levels below

products as well. Several unique formulation possibilities

150,000 ppm2.

(e.g., quick-breaking foams, hair styling mousses) have

In a subchronic inhalation study3, rats were exposed toalready been demonstrated.

HFC-152a at 100,000 ppm for 16 hr daily for 2 months

Toxicological evaluations have demonstrated that HP 152awith no adverse effects, except for microscopic evidence ofhas a very low order of acute and chronic inhalation toxicity.

slight respiratory irritation. In a more recent study1, when

The compound is not a mutagen, teratogen or carcinogen.

rats were exposed at 100,000 ppm for 6 hr/day, 5 days/

Chemours’ work-place exposure limit (AEL) for it is 1000 ppm.

week for 2 weeks, there were no significant effects relative
to clinical, hematological, blood chemistry, urine analytical,

Table 1. Physical Properties of HP 152a
Formulaor histopathological indices.
CH3CHF2

A lifetime inhalation toxicity study⁴ has also been

Molecular Weight

66.1

Boiling Point, °F (°C)

–13 (-25)

Vapor Pressure, psig
70 °F
130 °F

63177

Vapor Pressure, bar
20 °C
50 °C

4.16
10.86

Liquid Density, g/cc
70 °F
130 °F
20 °C
50 °C

0.908
0.816
0.911
0.830

Solubility in Water at 1 atm and 77 °F (25 °C), wt%

0.28

inhalation to 5,000 or 20,000 ppm HFC-152a for 6 hr/day

Kauri-Butanol Value

11on days 6–15 of gestation. There was no evidence ofSolubility Parameter

7maternal toxicity, embryotoxicity, or teratogenicity underconducted on HFC-152a. Rats (120 #/sex/exposure level)
were exposed for 6 hr/day, 5 days/week for 24 months to 0,

Liquid Viscosity at 70 °F (21.1 °C), cP

0.243

Flammability Limits in Air, vol%3.9–16.9

Tag. Open Cup Flash Point≤58 °F (≤50 °C)

Ozone Depletion Potential

0

Global Warming Potential (100 yr. Integrated Time Horizon)

140

Volatile Organic CompoundNo

2,000 10,000, or 25,000 ppm. Under the conditions of
this experimental study, HFC-152a was not carcinogenic
and produced no life-shortening toxic effects in ratsexposed by inhalation for 24 months at concentrations≤25,000 ppm (v/v).
In a study⁵ designed to determine reproductive toxicity
potential, groups of 27 pregnant rats were exposed bythese experimental conditions. In another study⁶ (AmesTest) designed to screen for mutagenic potential, HFC-152a
was not mutagenic in Salmonella typhimurium bacteria,with or without metabolic activation.
In conclusion, based on acute and chronic animal toxicity
studies and many years of human experience, HFC-152a at orbelow an occupational limit (8-hr TWA) of 1,000 ppm should

Toxicity Summary of Hydrofluorocarbon 152apose no hazard relative to general toxicity, carcinogenicity,

Hydrofluorocarbon 152a has a low order of toxicity on bothmutagenicity, or teratogenicity. This fluorocarbon exhibits aan acute and chronic basis. Although a TLV® has not beenvery low degree of reactivity in biological system.

established for HFC-152a, a value of 1,000 ppm (v/v;8-hour TWA) seems appropriate based on its low toxicity

References

and analogy to other fluorocarbons.

1. Unpublished DuPont Haskell Laboratory Data, 1975.
2. Reinhardt, C. F., et al. Arch. Environ. Hlth. 22: 265–269,

The main physiological action of HFC-152a is that of “weak1971.

anesthesia” at high inhaled levels. Its 4-hr approximate

3. Lester, D., and L. A. Greenberg. Arch. Ind. Hyg. Occup.

lethal concentration (ALC) in rats is 383,000 ppm1. LikeMed. 2: 335-344, 1950.

other halocarbons and hydrocarbons, under gross misuseor abuse conditions, HFC-152a is capable of sensitizing

4. Unpublished DuPont Haskell Laboratory Data, 1982.

the heart to the body’s own adrenalin. However, even in

5. Unpublished DuPont Haskell Laboratory Data, 1979.

experimental screening studies using dogs and simulating

6. Logstaff, E., et al. Toxicol. Appl. Pharmacol. 72: 15–31, 1984.

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HP 152aAerosol Propellant

Figure 1. Saturated Vapor Pressure of HP 152a

• HP 152a/Isobutane/Ethanol

180• HP 152a/Ethanol/Water170• HP 152a/Ethanol/HP DME

160• HP 152a/Ethanol/Freon™ 134a

Pressure, psig150
140

Stability/Compatibility of HP 152a130

HP 152a is a relatively inert chemical. It does not undergo

120

reaction with the solvents commonly used in aerosol
formulations, e.g., ethanol, chlorocarbons, hydrocarbon

110solvents, etc. It is also very stable to hydrolysis, especially100

under alkaline conditions. It is a propellant in several

90

water-based commercial hair styling mousse formulations
packaged in aluminum containers. Although no stability

80

problems resulting from the use of HP 152a as a propellant

70
60
70

are anticipated, formulations should be thoroughly tested
80

90

100
110
Temperature, °F120

prior to marketing them to ensure this is the case.

130HP 152a is compatible with a wide range of elastomers
and plastics. As an example, Buna N, butyl, or Neoprene

Figure 2. Saturated Vapor Pressure of HP 152a

gasketing materials can be used with it. However, like many

13.0

other fluorochemicals, HP 152a is not compatible with
12.0

Viton™. It does not craze or attack the plastics commonlyused in the aerosol industry. Compatibility tests have been

Pressure, bar

11.0

run with several plastics that are prone to attack by

10.0

solvents and propellants. The results are presented below.

9.0

Table 2. Compatibility of Selected Plastics with HP 152a
Plastic

8.0

4 hr at 75 °F (23.9 °C)

ABS Polymer

0Polycarbonate

0Polymethyl methracrylate

06.0

Polystyrene

05.0

Codes

7.0

0 = Suitable for use in contact with HP 152a
25303540
Temperature, °C4550

1 = Probably suitable for use

55

2 = Probably not suitable for use

Triangular-Coordinate Charts

3 = Not suitable for use

The following triangular-coordinate charts are available

4 = Plastic disintegrated or dissolved in liquidfrom the Fluorochemicals Laboratory. They provide vapor
pressure data at 70 °F (21.1 °C) for each of the ternary
mixtures listed below:Components• HP 152a/Propane/Isobutane• HP 152a/n-Butane/Ethanol3

HP 152aAerosol Propellant

Binary Azeotropes of HP 152a

Classification of Spray Characteristics

Table 3. Binary Azeotropes of HP 152a with Hydrocarbon

Very Fine

and Dimethyl Ether Propellants

The spray disappears at a distance of about 2–3 ft after it
leaves the actuator. The spray causes no wetting of paper

Vapor Pressure
psig
Azeotrope

when sprayed from a distance of about 1 ft.

barComposition

70 °F*

130 °F21.1 °C54.4 °C

HP 152a/Propane

45/55

130295

8.96

20.34

HP 152a/Isobutane

75/25

72190

4.96

13.10

HP 152a/n-Butane

85/15

68

180

4.69

12.41

HP 152a/HP DME

55/45

61

169

4.21

11.65

Fine
The spray travels for a distance of at least 5–6 ft before
disappearing. Slight wetting of paper occurs at a distanceof about 1 ft.

*Handbook of Aerosol Technology, 2nd Ed., P. A. Sanders.

MediumNote 1: The composition of an azeotrope varies with temperature. The values given are
average values over the temperature range 70–130 °F (21.1–54.4 °C).

particle size is noticeably larger than that in a fine spray.

The spray tends to travel in a horizontal path, and theDefinite wetting of paper occurs at a distance of about 1 ft.

Note 2: “The Aerosol Handbook,” 2nd Ed., M. A. Johnsen gives the composition of theHFC-152aa/propane azeotrope as 79/21, respectively.

CoarseFallout of large droplets from the spray is evident. Heavy

Table 4. Spray Characteristics of Blends of HP 152a withwetting of paper occurs at a distance of 2 ft.

Ethanol and WaterComposition, wt%

Vapor PressureStreamy

HP 152a

Water

EtOH

psig at70 °F

bar at21.1 °C

Spray Characteristic*

72

—

2850

3.45

Fine

45

—5540

2.76

Fine

45

94650

3.45

Fine

30

—

7030

2.07

Medium

30

1060

40

2.76

Medium302050503.15

Medium

21.5

—

78.5

20

1.38

Coarse

21.5

11.5

6730

2.07

Coarse

21.5

19.5

5940

2.76

Coarse

21.5

29

48.5

50

3.45

Coarse/Streamy

1025

65

20

1.38

Streamy10345630

2.07

Streamy

1040

5040

2.76

Streamy

538.5

56.5

201.38Stream547

4830

2.07

Stream552

4340

2.76StreamA broken stream consisting of mixture of spray and stream.
StreamA stream with little or no spray.
Sprays with properties intermediate between any of thegroups shown above are classified as medium-fine,medium-coarse, etc.

*Precision #0.80” × 0.018” valve and 0.018” standard actuator.

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HP 152aAerosol Propellant

Flame Projection Test Results
Table 5. Prototype Products Using HP 152a Propellant
ProductValve

Prop. Conc.

Solvent

Flame Proj., inFlash Back, in

VP (70 °F), psig

Hair Spray

(1)

25/75

EtOH

17637

Personal Deodorant

(2)

30/70

EtOH

15049

Cologne

(3)

18/82

EtOH

7327

Topical Antiseptic(4)

75/25

EtOH

0060

Pan Sprays

(5)

25/75

Corn oil

19062

Space Insecticide

(6)

32/68

Kerosene and Trichloroethane

17034

Hornet/Wasp Spray(7)17/83

IPA and Trichloroethane

16030

Residual Insecticide

(8)

15/85

Kerosene22+447

Spray Lubricant(6)95/05*

Trichloroethane

2034

Mold Release Spray(9)90/05**

Trichloroethane2028

Electronic Cleaner

(10)

10/90

Freon™ TF

0022

Penetrating Oil

(6)

25/75

—22037(1) Precision .013/.018 valve, .016 MBRT actuator.
(2) Precision .018/.025, .013 vapor tap valve, .016 MBRT actuator.
(3) Risdon .016/.040 valve, .016 MB actuator.
(4) Precision .025/.018, .013 vapor tap valve, .016 MBRT actuator.
(5) Precision .013/.010 valve, .013 MB actuator.
(6) Precision .080/.018 valve, .018 standard actuator.
(7) Precision .080/3x.040, .020 total release actuator.

(8) Precision .080/.018 valve, .025 total release actuator.
(9) Newman-Green B-14-10 valve, model 150-16-16 actuator.
(10) Newman-Green B-14-10 valve, model 110-20-32 actuator or Model 102-20-18
actuator with #805 extension tube.
*“Propellant” was HP 152a/1,1,1-trichloroethane (30/70)**“Propellant” was HP 152a/1,1,1-trichloroethane (20/80)

Flame Projection Test Results (Metric Units)
Table 6. Prototype Products Using HP 152a Propellant
ProductValve

Prop. Conc.

Solvent

Flame Proj., cm

Flash Back, cm

VP (20 °C), barHair Spray

(1)

25/75

EtOH

43.2

15.2

2.55

Personal Deodorant

(2)

30/70

EtOH

38.1

03.38Cologne

(3)

18/82

EtOH

17.8

7.6

1.86

Topical Antiseptic

(4)

75/25

EtOH004.14

Pan Sprays

(5)

25/75

Corn oil

48.3

0

4.27

Space Insecticide

(6)

32/68

Kerosene and Trichloroethane

43.202.34

Hornet/Wasp Spray

(7)

17/83

IPA and Trichloroethane

40.6

0

2.07

Residual Insecticide

(8)

15/85

Kerosene

55.9+

10.2

3.24

Spray Lubricant(6)95/05*

Trichloroethane

5.102.34

Mold Release Spray(9)90/05**

Trichloroethane

5.101.93

Electronic Cleaner

(10)

10/90

Freon™ TF

001.52

Penetrating Oil

(6)

25/75

—55.9

02.55

(1) Precision .330/.457 valve, .406 MBRT actuator.
(2) Precision .457/.635, .330 vapor tap valve, .406 MBRT actuator.
(3) Risdon .406/1.016 valve, .406 MB actuator.
(4) Precision .635/.457, .330 vapor tap valve, .406 MBRT actuator.
(5) Precision .330/.254 valve, .330 MB actuator.
(6) Precision 2.032/.457 valve, .457 standard actuator.
(7) Precision 2.032/3x1.016, .508 total release actuator.

(8) Precision 2.032/.457 valve, .635 total release actuator.
(9) Newman-Green B-14-10 valve, model 150-16-16 actuator.
(10) Newman-Green B-14-10 valve, model 110-20-32 actuator or Model 102-20-18
actuator with #805 extension tube.
*“Propellant” was HP 152a/1,1,1-trichloroethane (30/70).
**“Propellant” was HP 152a/1,1,1-trichloroethane (20/80).

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HP 152aAerosol Propellant

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Replaces: H-64411
C-10777 (5/17)

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