Which halogen is used in Teflon?

Teflon is a widely used polymer known for its non-stick and chemical-resistant properties. Its chemical name is polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). The monomer used to make Teflon is tetrafluoroethylene, which contains fluorine atoms attached to carbon. Fluorine is a halogen with the symbol F and atomic number 9. It is highly electronegative, very reactive, and forms strong carbon-fluorine (C–F) bonds. These strong bonds make Teflon resistant to heat, chemical attack, and corrosion.

Other halogens like chlorine (Cl₂), bromine (Br₂), and iodine (I₂) are not used in Teflon. Chlorine and bromine are heavier halogens and form weaker bonds with carbon compared to fluorine. Iodine is even less reactive in polymer formation. Fluorine’s small size and high electronegativity allow it to form stable polymers with carbon, which is why Teflon has such excellent thermal and chemical stability.

Teflon has a wide range of applications due to the presence of fluorine. It is used as a non-stick coating in cookware, in chemical containers, in electrical insulation, and in lubrication for industrial machinery. The resistance to solvents, acids, and bases comes from the fluorine atoms shielding the carbon backbone of the polymer. Fluoropolymers like Teflon are considered essential in modern industrial and domestic applications.

Understanding the role of fluorine in Teflon also helps students learn about halogen chemistry, carbon-halogen bonds, and polymer properties. This question emphasizes the connection between halogens and organic polymer chemistry, focusing specifically on the industrial application of fluorine.