Polytetrafluoroethylene (commonly called Teflon or PTFE) is a polymer that is produced from the monomer tetrafluoroethene. This monomer is produced by reacting ethene (H2C=CH2) with fluorine which causes the hydrogen to be replaced by fluorine atoms.

Since the name polytetrafluoroethylene is so long and difficult to say the name was shortened by taking letters out of the name.

Like ethene, tetrafluoroethene has a double bond between carbon atoms. But unlike ethene it is not an alkene. Instead it is a substituted alkene. Teflon is classified as a fluoropolymer.

If you have already looked at the polymerization of polyethylene you will see that polytetrafluoroethylene looks the same. The only difference is that hydrogen has been removed from the monomer and replaced with fluorine.

The formula for tetrafluoroethene (the monomer) is C2F4 while the formula for polytetrafluoroethene (the polymer) is (CF2)n.

Teflon properties include being inert, heat resistant, and nonstick. It is found on no-stick pots and pans,fabric and carpet protection, electrical wire covering, and industrial coatings.

Interesting Fact: Teflon is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the world's most slippery substance