Has anyone used HFC-134a as a solvent?

montroller

Member

• Aug 25, 2012

• #1

So the FDA says it is safe to use FDA Link

And these guys kind of outlined it here. Even though it is a little different.

They think it is more selective that hexane, at least in that application, I wonder how it would play out with cannabis. The stuff comes in dust off cans and can be bought for airsoft guns as well but I am not sure if that is a safe source to use or if I should just try to get it from airgas or something. Supposedly it isn't that bad for the environment and isn't flammable. Here is the MSDS.

I want to try it as an open tube extraction as soon as I can find a good source, unless people more experienced can tell me why I shouldn't even bother.

 

smoooth

Active member

• Aug 25, 2012

• #2

Sounds interesting. Would like to hear more.

 

montroller

Member

• Aug 25, 2012

• #3

I found this MSDS of a non flammable air duster that is supposedly 100% tetraflouroethane. I think I am gunna try to contact them soon

 

Duckmang

Member

• Aug 26, 2012

• #4

R134a has been linked to a form of benign testicular cancer! I'll pass.

 

montroller

Member

• Aug 27, 2012

• #5

Do you have a source for this?

 

J

jump117

Well-known member

Veteran

• Aug 27, 2012

• #6

In one of the descriptions I read the disturbing message -

R134a decomposed by the flame to form of toxic and irritating compounds such as hydrogen fluoride.

 

montroller

Member

• Aug 28, 2012

• #7

^^ Yah apparently that happens at 250C which kind of makes this a no go.

Oh well I guess the search for a safer solvent is still on.

 

Duckmang

Member

• Aug 31, 2012

• #8

montroller said:

Do you have a source for this?

Click to expand...

Google it, plenty of hits.

 

montroller

Member

• Aug 31, 2012

• #9

That was only found in animals though, I can't find any reports linking it to human studies. Also it is used in a couple food grade processes already and is deemed completely safe at levels below 1000ppm. That being said for our purpose we will have to heat the extracted material to smoke it and at 250C it can degrade to something that IS toxic.

Butane is great for its selectivity and availability but it is flammable and bad for our environment so I will continue to keep my ear to the ground for something new.