Global Warming Potential

Perfluoroisopropyl morpholine (PIPM) (CAS Number: 338-84-1)

Summary: 

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

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

submittals to EPA for the use of Provisional GWPs. [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 F-GHG, and specifies that 

these values are to be used for the purpose of computing CO2-equivalent emissions. [2] The 

regulation allows a facility to request a provisional GWP when clear scientific evidence 

exists to support such a value. 

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

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

morpholine has been estimated as greater than 1,600 years; the radiative forcing has been 

measured and the GWP of perfluoroisopropyl morpholine has been estimated as 11,000 

relative to CO2 with a 100-year integration time horizon. 

Evidence Supporting Request: 

F-GHG Identity: Perfluoroisopropyl morpholine (PIPM) 

Chemical Formula: C7F15NO

CAS Number: 1093615-61-2 

Estimated GWP: 11,000 relative to CO2 with a 100-year integration time horizon 

Data and analysis: 

Atmospheric lifetime was estimated by using perfluoromethyl morpholine (PMM) as a proxy 

as it is structurally similar to PiPM, containing only 2 more perfluorinated carbon groups 

than PMM while retaining the same morpholine functionality. 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. 

The radiative forcing was determined using the methodology outlined in the IPCC [4]. 

Absorption cross-sections were obtained from the spectrum. The spectral data was divided 

into sections with bandwidth 10 cm-1. Average absorption cross-sections for each band were 

calculated. The cross-sections were then weighted using factors reported in Pinnock et al. 

[5]. The weighted cross-sections were summed over all bands to obtain the value for 

instantaneous radiative forcing. The adjusted radiative forcing is 0.71 W·m

-2

·ppbV-1. 

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

substance, a GWP of 11,000 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. 

5. Pinnock, S., et al., Radiative forcing of climate by hydrochlorofluorocarbons and 

hydrofluorocarbons. Journal of Geophysical Research, 1995. 100(D11): p. 23227-23238.