The chemical formula for a common Chlorofluorocarbon (CFC), specifically Dichlorodifluoromethane, is CCl2F2.
CFCs are a group of organic compounds containing chlorine, fluorine, and carbon atoms. They were widely used as refrigerants, propellants in aerosols, and solvents. While the general term "CFC" covers a range of compounds, CCl2F2 is a well-known and frequently referenced example.
Key Characteristics of CFCs:
- Composition: Contain chlorine, fluorine, and carbon.
- Stability: Historically valued for their stability, which unfortunately contributed to their ozone-depleting potential.
- Applications: Used extensively as refrigerants (like in air conditioners), aerosol propellants, and solvents.
- Environmental Impact: A major cause of ozone depletion in the Earth's atmosphere, leading to their phase-out under international agreements like the Montreal Protocol.
The specific formula CCl2F2 represents a single carbon atom bonded to two chlorine atoms and two fluorine atoms. This particular CFC was commonly used as a refrigerant and is often used as a representative example when discussing CFCs in general.
