Overview

Dichlorodifluoromethane (DIE-klor-oh-DIE-floor-oh-METH-ane) belongs to a family of compounds called the chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) that consist of carbon, chlorine, and fluorine atoms in varying arrangements. They can be considered as derivatives of alkanes, organic compounds consisting of carbon and hydro gen only, in which all of the hydrogen atoms have been replaced by chlorine and/or fluorine atoms. Chlorofluorocarbons are also referred to by their trade names, assigned to them by the DuPont corporation, which holds patents for their production. Dichlorodifluoromethane, for example, is also known as Freon12®. The numbers in each compound's Freon name specify the carbon atoms on which the chlorine and/or fluorine atoms are located. Freon12® is also known as refrigerant 12, propellant 12, and halon 122. The term halon refers to a related family of compounds consisting of carbon, chlorine, fluorine, bromine, and/or iodine.

Key Facts

Other Names:

Difluorodichloro methane; Freon 12®

Formula:

CCl₂F₂

Elements:

Carbon...