chlorofluorocarbon

Thân thiện

A scientist points to a diagram showing how chlorofluorocarbons damage the ozone layer.

Definition

Noun: A chlorofluorocarbon is a chemical compound consisting of carbon, chlorine, and fluorine. Historically, these compounds were widely used in refrigeration systems and as propellants in aerosol spray cans. Their environmental significance stems from the fact that the chlorine they contain can lead to the destruction of the ozone layer in the Earth's upper atmosphere.

Usage Examples

• The production of many chlorofluorocarbons was banned by an international treaty due to their harmful effect on the ozone layer.
• Scientists identified chlorofluorocarbon emissions as the primary cause of the ozone hole over Antarctica.
• Old refrigerators often contain chlorofluorocarbons, which must be carefully recovered and disposed of.

Advanced Usage

• CFC: This is the standard and most common abbreviation for chlorofluorocarbon.
  • Example: The Montreal Protocol was successful in phasing out the use of CFCs.

Variants and Related Words

• CFC (noun): The standard abbreviation for chlorofluorocarbon.
• Hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) (noun): A related compound used as a transitional replacement for CFCs, which is less damaging but still harmful to ozone.
• Hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) (noun): A later replacement compound that does not deplete ozone but is a potent greenhouse gas.

Synonyms

• Freon (noun, proprietary): A common brand name for a type of chlorofluorocarbon used as a refrigerant. (Note: This is a specific trademark often used generically.)
• Fluorocarbon (noun): A broader category of compounds containing carbon and fluorine, which includes CFCs.

Related Phrases and Concepts

• Ozone-depleting substance (ODS) (noun phrase): The formal environmental classification for chemicals like chlorofluorocarbons.
• Montreal Protocol (proper noun): The international environmental agreement designed to protect the ozone layer by phasing out the production of chlorofluorocarbons and other ODS.

Học thuật

Noun

1. a fluorocarbon with chlorine; formerly used as a refrigerant and as a propellant in aerosol cans
   • the chlorine in CFCs causes depletion of atmospheric ozone

Từ đồng nghĩa

• cfc