Applications. CFCs and HCFCsHCFCs Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) are man-made organic compounds that contain fluorine and hydrogen atoms, and are the most common type of organofluorine compounds. Most are gases at room temperature and pressure. ... HFCs are also used in insulating foams, aerosol propellants, as solvents and for fire protection. › wiki › Hydrofluorocarbon

Hydrofluorocarbon - Wikipedia

are used in various applications because of their low toxicity, reactivity and flammability. Every permutation of fluorine, chlorine and hydrogen based on methane and ethane has been examined and most have been commercialized.

How are CFCs used in aerosol sprays?

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.

Why are CFCs useful?

CFCs were used in many developed countries for consumption and production as they were inflammable and non-toxic towards humanity. Chlorofluorocarbons can be used as refrigerants, cleaning agents, foaming agents, and propellants for aerosol sprays (Welch, n.d.).

Why CFCs are ideal for use as fluids in refrigerators and as solvents in an aerosol?

CFCs are non-toxic, non-flammable and very stable, which makes them ideal for use in appliances in private households. However, it is their stability that creates environmental problems today.

Do aerosols have CFCs?

Not only are CFCs absent from the propellant used in aerosols, but there are no CFCs in the products packed in aerosol packages, such as hair spray, deodorants, antiperspirants or other personal care items, nor are they in spray paint, household, food or automotive products.

1.1 The negative environmental impacts of refrigeration and AC (CFCs) [SL IB Chemistry]

34 related questions found

Why do aerosols deplete the ozone layer?

Ozone Layer Depletion

Traditional aerosol cans facilitate the release of VOCs into the atmosphere. This causes environmental pollution as a result of the interaction of VOCs with nitrogen oxides. This reaction leads to the formation of ground-level ozone.

What kind of gas is in an aerosol can?

Aerosol food products generally use nitrous oxide or carbon dioxide as the propellant, while other substances (pharmaceuticals, paints and cosmetics) use flammable hydrocarbons. Cans.

Why CFCs are considered as pollutants?

The chlorofluorocarbons release chlorine atoms when they break down in the presence of UV radiations and thus deplete the ozone layer. The chlorine released reacts with ozone molecules and forms oxygen which reduces the ozone quantity causing its depletion. This is the reason why CFCs are considered as pollutants.

Why are CFCs non flammable and unreactive?

Because chlorofluorocarbons don't react in oxidation reactions, they are not flammable. CFCs were developed during the 1920s as replacements for more toxic refrigerants such as NH₃, CH₃Cl, and SO₂.

Why were CFCs originally used in refrigerators What were CFCs replacing?

CFCs were chosen in the 1920s and 30s to replace other chemical refrigerants toxic to humans like ammonia and methyl chloride. ... When people used air conditioning units and refrigerators, CFCs were released into the atmosphere.

Are CFCs used as insulators?

The CFCs are used as blowing agents in the manufacture of these materials. Rigid foam insulation such as polyurethane is produced by injecting CFCs into a liquid mass of plastic polymer, thereby creat- ing the bubbles that provide the insulating capabilities of the material.

How do CFCs destroy ozone?

Once in the atmosphere, CFCs drift slowly upward to the stratosphere, where they are broken up by ultraviolet radiation, releasing chlorine atoms, which are able to destroy ozone molecules. ... When sunlight returns in the spring, the chlorine begins to destroy ozone.

Why should we discourage the use of CFC in our daily life?

The use of Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) being discouraged because CFCs molecules were not settle in atmosphere and uv rays break these molecules which cause ozone depletion.

What are the effects of CFCs?

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.

What are CFCs and what is their role in ozone depletion?

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and other halogenated ozone-depleting substances (ODS) are mainly responsible for man-made chemical ozone depletion. ... The chlorine atoms act as a catalyst, and each can break down tens of thousands of ozone molecules before being removed from the stratosphere.

Does Hairspray damage the ozone layer?

According to Bryce Bird with the Utah division of air quality, hair spray does contribute to the air pollution that we see during the winter months. Bird says that, CFCs, which is what used to damage the ozone layer, have been completely phased out so hairspray doesn't hurt the ozone anymore.

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!

How do CFCs leak into the atmosphere?

CFCs are found in old cooling equipment, such as refrigerators and the air-conditioning units of automobiles and buildings. Over time, the refrigerants leak out into the atmosphere. As aging appliances and chillers are retired, CFCs are collected, cleaned, and sold for reuse.

What are CFCs name some devices where CFCs are used why they are termed as pollutants?

CFCs are used in refrigerators, air conditioners, etc. When chlorofluorocarbons are released into air, they deplete the ozone layer and the ultraviolet rays reach the earth causing harmful effects.

Is CFC a pollutant True or false?

CFC is a pollutant- True.

Are CFCs still used?

Production of CFCs ceased in 1995. HCFC production will cease in 2020 (HCFC-22) or 2030 (HCFC-123). This means that although equipment that uses these refrigerants may operate just fine for 20 or 30 years, new or recycled refrigerant to service it may not be available. Don't buy equipment that uses CFC refrigerants.

What is aerosol gas?

Aerosol is defined as a suspension system of solid or liquid particles in a gas. An aerosol includes both the particles and the suspending gas, which is usually air. ... Primary aerosols contain particles introduced directly into the gas; secondary aerosols form through gas-to-particle conversion.

Are aerosols liquid or gas?

When talking about aerosol cans, “aerosol” actually refers to the cloud of liquid and gas that comes out of the can. An aerosol is a fine mist of liquids—or many fine solid particles—that are evenly dispersed throughout a gas. Fog, smoke, and steam are all aerosols.

Is spray a liquid or gas?

In fact, to be strictly correct about it, an aerosol is a fine mist of liquid, or lots of solid particles, widely and evenly dispersed throughout a gas. So clouds, fog, and steam from your kettle are all examples of aerosols, because they're made up of water droplets dispersed through a much bigger volume of air.

What effects do aerosols have on the ozone?

Aerosol direct effects (ADEs), i.e., scattering and absorption of incoming solar radiation, reduce radiation reaching the ground and the resultant photolysis attenuation can decrease ozone (O₃) formation in polluted areas.