Perfluorotoluene or octafluorotoluene is a chemical which belongs to the class of fluorocarbons, specifically a perfluorocarbon. Fluorocarbons and their derivatives are useful fluoropolymers, refrigerants, solvents, and anesthetics.
More specifically, perfluorotoluene is a perfluoroaromatic compound, which is perfluorocarbon containing an aromatic ring. Other examples include hexafluorobenzene and octafluoronaphthalene. Perfluorotoluene is commonly used as industrial solvent and can be prepared by defluorination of perfluoromethylcyclohexane by heating to 500 °C with a nickel or iron catalyst.[1]