What is the differences between Novec 1230 and all of the other clean agents, including FM-200?

FM-200 (HFC-227ea) and Novec 1230 are fire extinguishing agents characterized by zero ODP and whose use in fire suppression applications results in a negligible contribution to climate change (global warming). 

There are three major differences between Novec 1230 and all of the other clean agents, including FM-200: 

a/- CHEMICAL REACTIVITY. Unlike the HFC and inert gas clean agents, which are characterized by very low chemical reactivity, Novec 1230 is characterized by high chemical reactivity. 

The HFC and inert gas clean agents are all unreactive with water, alcohols, amines, and solvents. Novec 1230, on the other hand, is characterized by high chemical reactivity. For example, Novec 1230 design manuals indicate the following: (1) Contact of Novec 1230 with water or solvents either polar or hydrocarbon could render Novec 1230 fluid ineffective, (2) the transfer of Novec 1230 requires the use of a drier because humid air may cause the agent to convert to acid. It is reported that Novec 1230 is chemically reactive with nucleophiles such as alcohols. Novec 1230 is also chemically reactive with other fire extinguishing agents, e.g., it has been reported that Novec 1230 undergoes reaction with sodium bicarbonate. The reaction of Novec 1230 with water produces HFC-227ea and Perfluoropropionic acid, a strong, corrosive organic acid. Due to its high reactivity, Novec 1230 is the only clean agent that is classified as a volatile organic compound (VOC). 

b/- INTERACTION IN THE BODY. Unlike the HFC and inert gas agents, Novec 1230 undergoes reaction in the lungs. Novec 1230 reacts to form HFC-227ea and Perfluoropropionic acid when it crosses the lung-air interface. In contrast, FM-200 does not react to form potentially hazardous products; the toxicity of FM-200 is so low that it is approved for use as a propellant in metered dose inhalers (MDIs), where it is employed to propel a medicament down the throat of the patient into his/her lungs. 

c/- PHYSICAL STATE. Unlike the HFC and inert gas clean agents, which are all gaseous at room temperature, Novec 1230 is a high boiling liquid (bp = 48 C). This increases the possibility of a liquid discharge with Novec 1230 compared to the other clean agents and also affects its performance. For example, recent studies within the aviation industry have indicated that Novec 1230 is ineffective in several civil aviation applications.