© Boardworks Ltd 20091 of 5
© Boardworks Ltd 20092 of 5
What are CFCs?
CFC stands for chlorofluorocarbon.
CFCs are a family of compounds that contain only chlorine, fluorine and carbon atoms.
Here are some examples:
Dichlorodifluoromethane 1,1,2-trichloro-1,2,2-trifluoroethane
CCl2F2 Cl2FC-CClF2
© Boardworks Ltd 20093 of 5
Naming CFCs
© Boardworks Ltd 20094 of 5
What are the properties of CFCs?
CFCs contain strong covalent bonds. This means that they are very inert (unreactive).
CFCs therefore last for a long time in the environment as they don’t decompose or react with other substances easily.
They are also insoluble in water, and have low melting and boiling points.
boiling point: –30°C melting point: –158°C
boiling point: 48°Cmelting point: –35°C
What state are these CFCs at room temperature?
© Boardworks Ltd 20095 of 5
What are CFCs used for?
During the 1930s, an American engineer named Thomas Midgely discovered that CFCs were suitable for use as coolants in refrigerators.
This was a very useful discovery because the refrigerants used previously were toxic compounds like ammonia and sulfur dioxide.
In the 1960s, other uses for CFCs started to be found: as propellants for aerosol cans and to inject bubbles into plastic to make foams for insulation.
Top Related