In September 1997, ZEON Corporation (president: Katsuhiko Nakano) succeeded in developing a new fluoric solvent (octafluorocyclopentane; development name: OFCPA) with less impacts on the global environment, particularly in terms of global warming, and preparation are being made for commercialization.

Since then, ZEON has confirmed development of an even newer product with for less impact on global warming and enhanced human and chemical safety. Accordingly, ZEON has decided to commercialize the improved product with marketing targeted for October 1998.

ZEON's next-generation fluoric compound, friendly to the global environment, is fluorocyclic HFC (hydride fluorocarbon; hereinafter referred to as H) composed mainly of heptafluoro cyclopentane. Concurrently, ZEON has also decided to release a fluorocyclic unsaturated compound (hereinafter referred to as L).
The generic name of the fluoric compound is "ZEOROLA;" proper names for the two products will be formally decided later.

Neither of the developed products damages the ozone layer; both impact less on global warming since it has such short life in the atmosphere and, among other excellent features, both are non-flammable and non-explosive.

1.	Supplementary explanation of features
	(1) he expected life of H in the atmosphere is 1.7 years (calculated value, for OFCPA, the value is 4.7 years.), the shortest level of all solvents currently traded worldwide. The structural characteristics of the cyclic compound allow the dissolvability to be adjusted to suit various compounds, such as hydrocarbons. Furthermore, there is little recycling loss because the boiling point is 82°C. The market recognizes a host of applications for the new developments such as a solvent for diluting polymers including lubricating agents for hard disks; cleaning and drying; manufacturing fluoric polymer; fluoric/silicon polymer filming; cleaning hollow fibers; coating medical equipment; dry-cleaning; fluoric electrolyte; and assisting foaminess. (2) The expected life of L in the atmosphere is 1.0 year (the measured value). This value not only significantly lessens its influence on global warming but is also expected to contribute to a reduction of PFC (perfluorocarbon, which has a higher global warming coefficient). According to a market evaluation, H is recognized for its excellent performance as a compound for dry-etching and as a gas for CVD (chemical vapor deposition) in the manufacture of semiconductors.
2.	Development details
	ZEON's business development has aimed at comprehensive use of C5 fraction for almost three decades. The new compounds are the direct outgrowth of these activities. The product was developed in cooperation with the National Institute of Materials and Chemical Research, part of the Agency of Industrial Science and Technology, from the Ministry of International Trade and Industry. Part of the development is being handled by NEDO (New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization).