The organic compound often associated with use in refrigerators, historically and in certain contexts, is Freon.
Historically, refrigerants used in refrigerators were often a class of organic compounds known as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), commonly referred to by the DuPont brand name, Freon. These compounds were highly effective coolants due to their chemical stability and thermal properties.
Based on the provided reference:
Therefore, option (C) freon is a correct option. Freon is a CFC compound.
This indicates that Freon, specifically as a type of CFC compound, was a common organic compound used for refrigeration.
What is Freon?
Freon is a brand name for a group of haloalkane refrigerants. Chemically, these are organic compounds containing carbon, hydrogen, chlorine, and fluorine atoms. Common examples historically included:
- Freon-12 (Dichlorodifluoromethane - CCl₂F₂) - a CFC
- Freon-22 (Chlorodifluoromethane - CHCl₂F) - an HCFC
These compounds acted as refrigerants by undergoing phase transitions (evaporation and condensation) within a closed system, absorbing heat from the inside of the refrigerator and releasing it outside.
The Shift Away from CFCs and HCFCs
While highly effective, CFCs and HCFCs were found to be significant contributors to ozone layer depletion and climate change. Due to international agreements like the Montreal Protocol, their production and use have been largely phased out in new appliances in favor of more environmentally friendly alternatives.
Modern refrigerators typically use different organic refrigerants, such as:
- Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) like R-134a (Tetrafluoroethane - C₂H₂F₄)
- Hydrocarbons (HCs) like R-600a (Isobutane - C₄H₁₀) and R-290 (Propane - C₃H₈)
- Other compounds like R-410A (a blend primarily of HFCs)
These newer refrigerants still function on the same principle but have a much lower impact on the ozone layer and often a reduced global warming potential compared to older Freon types.
Refrigerants in Use: A Comparison
| Refrigerant Type | Chemical Class | Environmental Impact | Historical/Current Use | Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freon (R-12) | CFC (Chlorofluorocarbon) | High Ozone Depletion, High GWP | Largely phased out | CCl₂F₂ |
| Freon (R-22) | HCFC (Hydrochlorofluorocarbon) | Moderate Ozone Depletion, High GWP | Phasing out | CHCl₂F |
| R-134a | HFC (Hydrofluorocarbon) | Zero Ozone Depletion, High GWP | Currently used | C₂H₂F₄ |
| R-600a, R-290 | HC (Hydrocarbon) | Zero Ozone Depletion, Very Low GWP | Increasingly used | C₄H₁₀, C₃H₈ |
| R-410A | HFC Blend | Zero Ozone Depletion, High GWP | Currently used | Blend |
GWP: Global Warming Potential
While the term "Freon" is sometimes still used colloquially to refer to any refrigerant, technically, it refers to the specific historical compounds, many of which were CFCs and HCFCs. Therefore, based on the historical context and the reference, Freon, a type of CFC organic compound, was used in refrigerators.
