Oscillation of evaporating liquids and ispalator paradoxes

The surface active properties of the vapor of volatile, inert fluorocarbon compounds such as C6F14, C8F18, and C10F18 have been discovered. In a newly observed phenomenon of capillary instability, permanent oscillatory and rotary motions occur in many fluids, due to a 10-30% reduction in the surface tension of a fluid when in contact with fluorocarbon vapors at room temperature. The features and possible uses of the effect and prospects for finding new types of volatile surfactants are discussed. (reviews of topical problems)