Proposal to add compounds to exclusion list of volatile organic compound definition: chapter 6

6.0 Compound Descriptions

• 6.1 1,1,1,2,2,3,3-heptafluoro-3-methoxy-propane (n-C₃F₇OCH₃ or HFE-7000), 3-ethoxy-1,1,1,2,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,6-dodecafluoro-2-(trifluoromethyl) hexane (HFE-7500) and 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane (HFC-227ea)
• 6.2 Methyl Formate (HCOOCH₃)
• 6.3 Tertiary Butyl Acetate (TBAc)
• 6.4 (1)1,1,1,2,2,3,4,5,5,5-decafluoro-3-methoxy-4-trifluoromethyl-pentane (HFE-7300)
• 6.5 3-dioxolan-2-one, 4-methyl- (Propylene Carbonate) and Dimethyl Carbonate
• 6.6 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (HFO-1234yf)
• 6.7 Trans-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (HFO-1234ze)
• 6.8 HCF₂OCF₂H (HFE-134), HCF₂OCF₂OCF₂H (HFE-236cal2), HCF₂OCF₂CF₂OCF₂H (HFE- 338pcc13) and HCF₂OCF₂OCF₂CF₂OCF₂H (H-Galden 1040X and H-Galden ZT 130 (or 150 or 180))
• 6.9 Trans 1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoroprop-1-ene (Solstice^TM 1233zd(E))

6.1 1,1,1,2,2,3,3-heptafluoro-3-methoxy-propane (n-C₃F₇OCH₃ or HFE-7000), 3-ethoxy-1,1,1,2,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,6-dodecafluoro-2-(trifluoromethyl) hexane (HFE-7500) and 1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropane (HFC-227ea)

HFE-7000 (Chemical Abstracts Service [CAS] Registry # 375-03-1) may be used as a refrigerant or aerosol propellant, and HFE-7500 (CAS # 297730-93-9) may be used as a refrigerant. HFC-227ea (CAS # 431-89-0) may be used as a fire suppressant or aerosol propellant; it is classified as a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC).

In Canada, HFE-7000, HFE-7500 and HFC-227ea are not specified on the Domestic Substances List (DSL) or the Non-domestic Substances List (NDSL). Therefore, these substances would be subject to the New Substances Notification Regulations (Chemicals and Polymers).²¹ Any person who intends to import or manufacture these substances above prescribed quantities is required to provide the Minister of the Environment with a New Substances Notification (NSN) package containing all information prescribed in these Regulations, prior to import or manufacture.

6.2 Methyl Formate (HCOOCH₃)

Methyl Formate (CAS # 107-31-3) is used to manufacture formamides and formic acid. Because of its high vapour pressure, it may be used as a component for quick-drying finishes. It is also used as a blowing agent in foam manufacturing processes, where it may be a replacement for butane, pentane and some hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs).

In Canada, methyl formate is included on the DSL and has a possible use as a blowing agent for foam insulation. However, it has not met the Government of Canada’s categorization criteria; as such it was not identified as requiring further attention in the form of assessment, research and/or measure to control its use or release.

6.3 Tertiary Butyl Acetate (TBAc)

On November 29, 2004, U.S. EPA excluded TBAc (CAS # 540-88-5) from its definition of VOCs, based on the MIR method. However, all record-keeping, emissions reporting, and inventory requirements that apply to VOCs remain in place for this compound. In making the announcement, the U.S. EPA indicated that it is desirable to track emissions of TBAc because the compound's reactivity is near that of ethane, their current benchmark for exemptions, and there is a potential for widespread use of TBAc. Also, they noted that the tracking of the emissions of TBAc is part of their continued effort to assess long-term health effects.²²

In the United States, TBAc may be used in inks, coatings, adhesives, cleaners and general solvents.

In Canada, TBAc is included on the DSL but has not met the Government of Canada’s categorization criteria; as such it was not identified as requiring further attention in the form of assessment, research and/or measure to control its use or release. Based on information from a chemical producer, it is believed that TBAc is likely to be used in coatings, adhesives, cleaners, degreasers, thinning solvents and other consumer products.

6.4 (1)1,1,1,2,2,3,4,5,5,5-decafluoro-3-methoxy-4-trifluoromethyl-pentane (HFE-7300)

HFE-7300 (CAS # 132182-92-4) may be used in a variety of applications, including heat transfer, lubricant deposition, electronic testing and cleaning applications.

In Canada, HFE-7300 is included on the NDSL. The NDSL is an inventory of substances that are not on the DSL but are accepted as being in use internationally. This compound is also subject to the New Substances Notification Regulations (Chemicals and Polymers).²³

6.5 3-dioxolan-2-one, 4-methyl- (Propylene Carbonate) and Dimethyl Carbonate

Propylene carbonate (CAS number # 108-32-07) has been used in cosmetics, as an adhesive component in food packaging, as a solvent for plasticizers and synthetic fibers and polymers, and as a solvent for aerial pesticide application. Dimethyl carbonate (CAS number # 616-38-6) is used as a co-solvent in paints, sealants and adhesives, and as a multi-purpose and thinning solvent. Dimethyl carbonate may also be used as a niche or specialty solvent in industrial coating/sealant applications. For some cleaning applications, dimethyl carbonate may be used as a substitute for isopropyl alcohol.

In Canada, propylene carbonate and dimethyl carbonate are included on the DSL but have not met the Government of Canada categorization criteria; therefore they were not identified as requiring further attention in the form of assessment, research and/or measure to control their use or release. Propylene carbonate has possible uses in adhesives, binders, sealants and fillers. Dimethyl carbonate has possible uses in paints, coatings and adhesives.

6.6 2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (HFO-1234yf)

HFO-1234yf (CAS # 754-12-1) may be used in refrigerants, aerosol propellants, and blowing agents for insulating foams.

In Canada, HFO-1234yf is included on the DSL but has not met the Government of Canada’s categorization criteria; therefore they were not identified as requiring further attention in the form of assessment, research and/or measure to control their use or release.

6.7 Trans-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene (HFO-1234ze)

HFO-1234ze (CAS # 29118-24-9) may be used as a refrigerant in refrigeration and air-conditioning.

In Canada, HFO-1234yf is included on the DSL but has not met the Government of Canada's categorization criteria; therefore they were not identified as requiring further attention in the form of assessment, research and/or measure to control their use or release.

6.8 HCF₂OCF₂H (HFE-134), HCF₂OCF₂OCF₂H (HFE-236cal2), HCF₂OCF₂CF₂OCF₂H (HFE- 338pcc13) and HCF₂OCF₂OCF₂CF₂OCF₂H (H-Galden 1040X and H-Galden ZT 130 (or 150 or 180))

HFE-134 (CAS # 1691-17-4), HFE-236cal2 (CAS # 78522-47-1), HFE-338pcc13 (CAS # 188690-78-0) and H-Galden 1040X (CAS # 188690-77-9) may be used as a fire suppressant or a refrigerant.

In Canada, HFE-134, HFE-236cal2, HFE-338pcc13 and H-Galden 1040X are not included on the DSL or NDSL. Therefore, these substances are subject to the New Substances Notification Regulations (Chemicals and Polymers).²⁴ Any person intending to import or manufacture these substances is required to provide the Minister of the Environment with an NSN package containing all information prescribed in the Regulations, prior to import or manufacture.

6.9 Trans 1-chloro-3,3,3-trifluoroprop-1-ene (Solstice^TM 1233zd(E))

Solstice^TM 1233zd(E) (CAS # 102687-65-0) may be used in refrigerant, aerosol solvent and foam-blowing agent applications.

In Canada, Solstice^TM 1233zd(E) is not included on the DSL or NDSL. Therefore, this substance is subject to the New Substances Notification Regulations (Chemicals and Polymers).²⁵ Any person intending to import or manufacture this substance is required to provide the Minister of the Environment with an NSN package containing all information prescribed in the Regulations, prior to import or manufacture.

 

²¹ For further information, visit http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/SOR-2005-247/index.html.

²² http://www.epa.gov/ttn/oarpg/t1/fact_sheets/tbacfinfs.pdf

²³ For further information, visit http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/SOR-2005-247/index.html

²⁴ For further information, visit http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/SOR-2005-247/index.html.

²⁵ Idem