FK-5112 (Dodecafluoro-2-methylpentan-3-one) is a high-tech, fluorinated ketone clean agent used in fire suppression systems. It is stored as a liquid at room temperature but is discharged as a gas. It was developed as an environmentally sustainable alternative to Halon 1301 and HFCs like FM-200 (R227ea).
General Characteristics
- Environmental Leader: It has the most favorable environmental profile among chemical clean agents with an ODP of 0 and a GWP of 1. Its atmospheric lifetime is only about 5 days.
- Extinguishing Mechanism: It extinguishes fires primarily by heat absorption (cooling) and by interfering with the chemical chain reaction of the flame.
- Highest Safety Margin: It has a very high safety margin for human exposure, making it the preferred choice for occupied spaces.
- No Residue: As a “Clean Agent,” it evaporates quickly after discharge and leaves no residue, protecting sensitive electronic equipment and high-value assets.
- Non-Conductive: It is electrically non-conductive, which prevents short circuits during discharge.
Technical Specifications
| Property | Value |
| Chemical Formula | CF3CF2C(O)CF(CF3)2 |
| Molecular Weight | 316.04 g/mol |
| Boiling Point (at 1 atm) | 49.2 °C (120.6 °F) |
| Freezing Point | -108.0 °C (-162.4 °F) |
| Critical Temperature | 168.7 °C (335.6 °F) |
| Critical Pressure | 18.65 bar (270.5 psia) |
| Liquid Density (at 25°C) | 1600 kg/m³ |
| Vapor Pressure (at 25°C) | 0.40 bar (5.8 psia) |
Typical Applications
- Data Centers & Server Rooms: Protecting critical IT infrastructure.
- Telecommunications: Switch rooms and communication hubs.
- Marine & Aviation: Engine rooms on ships and aircraft electronics.
- Cultural Heritage: Museums, archives, and libraries where water or powder would cause irreparable damage.