chlorofluorocarbon
nounEtymology From chloro- + fluorocarbon.
1
Chemistry, Natural sciences, Organic chemistry, Physical sciences Any of a class of organic compounds in which the hydrogen atoms of a hydrocarbon are replaced with those of chlorine and fluorine; formerly used as refrigerants and aerosol can propellants but withdrawn due to causing damage to the ozone layer.
- The proposed replacement for CFC-11, a chlorofluorocarbon used to make plastic foam and in central air-conditioning systems, is a compound called HCFC-22. This is a chlorofluorocarbon already in use in home air-conditioners, but it is more expensive than CFC-11 and its potential applications are limited by its inferior characteristics.1989 March 7, Malcolm W. Browne, “In Protecting the Atmosphere, Choices Are Costly and Complex”, in The New York Times:
- The Renew is also free of polyvinyl chloride, asbestos, chlorofluorocarbons and halons.2009 February 12, Azadeh Ensha, “A Cellphone That Is Made With the Environment in Mind”, in The New York Times:
- Derived terms
- hydrochlorofluorocarbon, nonchlorofluorocarbon
- Related terms
- Freon