Table of Contents
Are CFCs substances?
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are nontoxic, nonflammable chemicals containing atoms of carbon, chlorine, and fluorine. They are used in the manufacture of aerosol sprays, blowing agents for foams and packing materials, as solvents, and as refrigerants. Individual CFC molecules are labeled with a unique numbering system.
What element is chlorofluorocarbon?
CFCs are halocarbons that contain only the elements carbon, chlorine, and fluorine. The most common CFCs are small molecules containing only one or two carbon atoms.
Which compound is a CFC or chlorofluorocarbon?
chlorofluorocarbon (CFC), any of several organic compounds composed of carbon, fluorine, and chlorine. When CFCs also contain hydrogen in place of one or more chlorines, they are called hydrochlorofluorocarbons, or HCFCs. CFCs are also called Freons, a trademark of the E.I.
How do CFCs work as refrigerants?
When CFCs, which are made of chlorine, fluorine, and carbon, break down over time due to exposure to UV radiation, they release chlorine atoms which react with the ozone molecule to destroy it. One chlorine atom can destroy 100,000 ozone molecules!
What is the chemistry behind the ozone destruction?
When chlorine and bromine atoms come into contact with ozone in the stratosphere, they destroy ozone molecules. One chlorine atom can destroy over 100,000 ozone molecules before it is removed from the stratosphere. Ozone can be destroyed more quickly than it is naturally created.
What are the chemical components of HFC refrigerant?
hydrofluorocarbon (HFC), any of several organic compounds composed of hydrogen, fluorine, and carbon. HFCs are produced synthetically and are used primarily as refrigerants.
Why are HFCs better than CFCs?
Because they contain hydrogen, HCFCs break down more easily in the atmosphere than do CFCs. Therefore, HCFCs have less ozone depletion potential, in addition to less global-warming potential. HFCs do not contain chlorine and do not contribute to destruction of stratospheric ozone.
Why is the presence of chlorofluorocarbon in the air harmful?
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and halons destroy the earth’s protective ozone layer, which shields the earth from harmful ultraviolet (UV-B) rays generated from the sun. CFCs and HCFCs also warm the lower atmosphere of the earth, changing global climate.
Are refrigerants CFCs?
CFC = ChloroFluoroCarbons Chlorofluorocarbons are refrigerants that contain chlorine. They have been banned since the beginning of the 90’s because of their negative environmental impacts. Examples of CFCs are R11, R12 and R115. The conversion of equipment and systems using CFCs has not yet been completed.