The fluoroether E245, CF3-CH2-O-CHF2, was evaluated with regard to its stability as a potential refrigerant. It is stable alone, but can react autocatalytically with glass to produce extremely high pressures. Reaction products include 1,1,1,2-tetrafluorethane (R134a), 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl ether, trifluoroethyl formate, trifluoroethanol, and hydrogen fluoride. The reaction appears to be accelerated by the presence of oxygen or peroxides.

KEYWORDS: stability, calculating, refrigerants, fluorocarbons.