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CarCareTruth

Tetrafluoropropene (HFO-1234ze)

  • Other solvents
  • CAS 29118-24-9
  • IUPAC: trans-1,3,3,3-Tetrafluoroprop-1-ene

Tetrafluoropropene (HFO-1234ze) (CAS 29118-24-9) appears in 1 of the 2,122 car-care products CarCareTruth tracks (as of August 2026). It is classified as a VOC.

Not classified as hazardous at product level. Acts as a simple asphyxiant at very high concentrations in enclosed spaces. Combustion/thermal decomposition produces hydrogen fluoride — never expose to open flame. Low acute toxicity: no LD50/LC50 data available triggers classification.

Tetrafluoropropene (HFO-1234ze) is a fourth-generation fluorinated propellant used in aerosol products as a replacement for traditional hydrocarbon propellants (butane, propane) and older HFC propellants (HFC-134a, HFC-152a). Its global warming potential is less than 1, making it one of the most climate-friendly aerosol propellants available. Meguiar's uses it as the primary propellant in their Whole Car Air Re-Fresher aerosol fogger line at 50-90% of the formula.

The key safety consideration is that thermal decomposition produces hydrogen fluoride (HF), which is acutely toxic. The aerosol cans carry DANGER for flammability (H222) and pressurized container risk (H229). In normal consumer use at room temperature, the propellant evaporates rapidly and disperses — the exposure scenario is transient, not sustained.

Health & environment profile

VOC
yes
Prop 65 listed
no
Asthmagen
no
EPA Safer Choice
no
Aquatic toxicity
no
Biodegradable
no
Bioaccumulative
no
Persistent
no
Ozone depleting
no
Microplastic
no
PFAS
no
Env. score
3/5
Purpose: Low-GWP aerosol propellant replacing traditional hydrocarbon propellants (butane, propane, isobutane)

Common questions about Tetrafluoropropene (HFO-1234ze)

What is Tetrafluoropropene (HFO-1234ze) used for in car care?
Low-GWP aerosol propellant replacing traditional hydrocarbon propellants (butane, propane, isobutane)
Is Tetrafluoropropene (HFO-1234ze) a VOC?
Yes. Tetrafluoropropene (HFO-1234ze) is classified as a volatile organic compound (VOC).
Is Tetrafluoropropene (HFO-1234ze) on California's Proposition 65 list?
No. Tetrafluoropropene (HFO-1234ze) is not on California's Proposition 65 list.

1 product contain this

Related

Health and environment notes translate the manufacturer Safety Data Sheet, the GHS classification, and authoritative regulatory listings (California Prop 65, EPA). Not medical advice. They describe the ingredient itself; whether a hazard applies to a finished product depends on its concentration and how it's used.