Demonstrating a lack of reactivity using a Teflon-coated pan

Checked by: Paul F. KrauseIn order to demonstrate the inert nature of polytetrafluoroethene, an egg is "chemically" fried in 6 M HCl in an aluminum saute pan from which the Teflon coating has been removed by abrasion. A control experiment in an otherwise identical Teflon coated pan shows only slow denaturing of the egg by the acid. This demonstration illustrates the most important property of fluorocarbons in a dramatic way and can lead to discussion of the numerous technological applicatiions of fluorinated molecules.