Compare the effect of CF2Cl2 and CF3CH2F on the atmospheric environment. Comment on the removal mechanism, lifetime and environmental impact of each.
- Compare the effect of CF2Cl2 and CF3CH2F on the atmospheric environment. Comment on the removal mechanism, lifetime and environmental impact of each.
- Effect of CF2Cl2 on atmospheric environment :
It is a chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) specifically dichlorodifluoromethane and were used extensively in fridge refrigerants, dry cleaning, air conditioner and aerosol propellants. In atmosphere, at first UV light breaks C and Cl bonds. Then Cl free radicals react with ozone(O3) and regeneration of Cl free radicals starts which ends after forming Cl2.
Through these reactions it actually depletes ozone and has much higher global warming potential (GWP) of 10900 compared to tetrafluoroethane's GWP of 1430.
- Effect of CF3CH2F on atmospheric environment :
It is tetrafluoroethane and a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC). Originally it was brought in as a replacement of CF2Cl2 to reduce ozone layer depletion. It is produced by reaction of trichloroethylene and hydrogen fluoride and used as a high temperature refrigerant for refrigerators and cars' air conditioners.
Its acidification potential is trivial, ozone depletion potential is negligible and global warming potential (GWP) is much lower than CF2Cl2.
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