Global Warming Potential

Perfluoromethyl Morpholine (PMM) (CAS Number: 382-28-5)

Summary: 

This document describes analysis conducted by 3M to determine a Global Warming Potential 

(GWP) for perfluoromethyl morpholine. The format of this report is consistent with 

submittals to EPA for the use of Provisional GWPs. The Mandatory Reporting Rule requires 

facilities to monitor and report CO2-equivalent F-GHG process vent emissions, if those 

emissions exceed a threshold of 10,000 metric tons CO2-equivalent per year. [1] Estimated 

CO2-equivalent emissions are obtained by multiplying the F-GHG mass emissions by the 

Global Warming Potential (GWP) for the individual fluorinated gases that comprise the flow. 

EPA has provided a table of 100-year time horizon GWP values for about 70 individual FGHG, and specifies that these values are to be used for the purpose of computing CO2-

equivalent emissions. [2] Default GWPs can be used for any fluorinated-GHG not listed in 

Table A-1. The regulation allows a facility to request a lower provisional GWP when clear 

scientific evidence exists to support such a lower value. 

Table A–1 does not list a GWP for perfluoromethyl morpholine (PMM). As described in 

greater detail in a subsequent section, the atmospheric lifetime of perfluoromethyl 

morpholine has been estimated as 1600 years [3, 4]; the radiative forcing of perfluoromethyl 

morpholine has been estimated [3, 4] and using these data, the GWP of perfluoromethyl 

morpholine has been estimated as 9500 relative to CO2 with a 100-year integration time 

horizon. 

Evidence Supporting Request: 

F-GHG Identity: perfluoromethyl morpholine (PMM) 

Chemical Formula: C5F11NO

CAS Number: 382-28-5 

Estimated GWP: 9500 relative to CO2 with a 100-year integration time horizon 

Data and analysis: 

Radiative forcing: Band by band absorption cross-sections were obtained from averaged IR 

spectra. Radiative forcing was calculated by the consultant using an internal model (AER 1-

D RC) [3] and used to calculate a direct, equilibrium surface temperature response (∆T) 

assuming a 1 ppbV introduction. The corresponding value relative to CFC-11 on a permolecule basis was reported as 0.27/0.15 = 1.8. In AR4 the radiative forcing of CFC-11 is 

reported as 0.25 W/m2/ppbV. The radiative forcing for PMM is therefore 1.8 × 0.25 = 0.45 

W/m2/ppbV. 

Atmospheric lifetime: The atmospheric lifetime for PMM was derived from kinetic data 

reported by Ko [3]. Ko reported lower limits of atmospheric lifetime due to reaction with 

hydroxyl radical and O(1D) oxygen. These lower limits were used to estimate a total 
atmospheric lifetime of >1600 years. This value was used as a minimum value in GWP 

calculations. 

Using these data in the equation referenced by the IPCC [4] to determine the GWP of a given 

substance, a GWP of 9500 relative to CO2 with a 100-year integration time horizon was 

established. 

1. "Mandatory Reporting of Greenhouse Gases: Additional Sources of Fluorinated GHGs; 

Final Rule", Federal Register 75:230 (December 1, 2010) p.74774. 

2. "Table A-1 to Subpart A of Part 98—Global Warming Potentials": Table A-1 in 40 CFR 

part 98, subpart A. 

3. Ko, M.K.W. and D.T. Chang, Estimates of the Global Warming Potential of Proposed 

Chemical Compounds. 1992, Atmospheric and Environmental Research, Inc.: Cambridge, 

MA. 

4. IPCC, 2007: Climate Change 2007: Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability. Contribution 

of Working Group II to the Fourth Assessment. Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on 

Climate Change, M.L. Parry, O.F. Canziani, J.P. Palutikof, P.J. van der Linden and C.E. 

Hanson, Eds., Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK, 976pp.