perfluorooctanesulfonic acid

noun

per·​fluo·​ro·​oc·​tane·​sul·​fon·​ic acid pər-ˌflȯr-ō-ˈäk-ˌtān-ˌsəl-ˈfä-nik- How to pronounce perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (audio)
-ˌflu̇r-,
-ˈfō-
variants or perfluorooctane sulfonic acid
: a fluorinated sulfonic acid C8HF17O3S that is a member of the PFAS group and that has been used especially for its water and stain resistance (as in carpeting and food packaging) and as a surfactant (as in firefighting foam and alkaline cleaning products) : PFOS
Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid is a key ingredient in stain-resistant fabrics, including carpets and upholstery.Gary Feldman
Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) is a widely used chemical with applications as a wetting and foaming agent and as a precursor of surfactants and pesticides.Philippe Tony Hoff
Two of the most widely used PFAS compounds, perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), have been banned but persist in the environment …Frank Kummer

called also perfluorooctane sulfonate

Examples of perfluorooctanesulfonic acid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Just before Trump left the White House in 2021, his EPA determined on January 19 that perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) need to be regulated in drinking water under the Safe Drinking Water Act. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2024 The new rule announced on Friday empowers the government to force the many companies that manufacture or use perfluorooctanoic acid, also known as PFOA, and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid, known as PFOS, to monitor any releases into the environment and be responsible for cleaning them up. Coral Davenport, New York Times, 19 Apr. 2024 The participants in Lindhardt’s study had high levels of perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) in their blood due to eating meat from cattle that fed in grassy areas where firefighters tested PFAS-containing foam. Claire Bugos, Verywell Health, 25 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

perfluoro- "containing a relatively large amount of fluorine especially in place of hydrogen" (from per- + fluoro-) + octane + sulfonic acid

First Known Use

1979, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of perfluorooctanesulfonic acid was in 1979

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Cite this Entry

“Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perfluorooctanesulfonic%20acid. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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