Dichlorodifluoromethane

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Dichlorodifluoromethane
Dichlorodifluoromethane
Chemical name Dichlorodifluoromethane
Other names R-12
CFC-12
Freon 12
P-12
Propellant 12
Chemical formula CCl2F2
Molecular mass 120.9135064 g/mol
CAS number [75-71-8]
Density 1.49 g/cm³ at -30 °C
Melting point -156 °C
Boiling point -30 °C
SMILES ClC(F)(Cl)F
NFPA 704

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Disclaimer and references

Dichlorodifluoromethane (R-12), usually sold under the brand name Freon-12, is a chlorofluorocarbon halomethane used as a refrigerant and aerosol spray propellant until its manufacture was discontinued in 1995, due to concerns about damage to the ozone layer. The ozone depletion potential of R-12 is 0.82, which is relatively high.

The use of chlorofluorocarbons as an aerosol in medicine, for example USP-approved Albuterol, has been phased out by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The use of a different propellant known as hydrofluoroalkane, or HFA, which does not harm the environment has been chosen as the replacement. [1]

Time-series of atmospheric concentrations of CFC-12 (Walker et al., 2000).
Time-series of atmospheric concentrations of CFC-12 (Walker et al., 2000).

[edit] Retrofitting

R-12 was primarily used in automobiles produced prior to 1994. For older vehicles retrofits to R-134a (1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane) is generally recommended. Retrofits usually include a complete flushing of the air conditioning system to remove the oil. The oils used for R12 and R134a are not generally compatible, although some oils designed for conversion to R134 are advertised as compatible with residual R12. Additionally a new compressor, expansion valve, and dryer may be needed. In some cases, all new rubber hoses are needed. These components are usually aftermarket products which are certified as R-134a compatible. Some car manufactures offer OEM replacement options for older R-12 air conditioning systems.

[edit] Alternative refrigerants

Below is a list of known "drop in" alternatives to R-12.

  • Freeze12
  • R-416a
  • R-414B
  • R-406
  • HC-12a

It should be noted the EPA does not refer to these as "drop-in" alternatives to R-12. The EPA has a section called "Misleading Use of Drop-In to Describe Refrigerants" which can be read here.

[edit] External links

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