ABSTRACT
Hydro¯uorocarbons (HFCs) are a family of compounds containing carbon, ¯uorine, and hydrogen. ¤e absence of chlorine in the hydro¯uorocarbon molecules makes them non-ozone-depleting substances (ODSs); they are, therefore, suitable replacements for chloro¯uorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochloro¯uorocarbons (HCFCs). Additionally, the presence of hydrogen atom(s) reduces atmospheric life and therefore these compounds have signi©cantly lower global warming potential (GWP) than fully ¯uorinated molecules (per¯uorinated or PFCs) and CFC compounds. ¤e presence of a large number of ¯uorine atoms tends to make these compounds non¯ammable, low in toxicity, stable to heat, low in reactivity, and compatible with most materials of construction.
