HFC125

HFC-125, also known as 1,1,1,2,2-pentafluoroethane, is a hydrofluorocarbon refrigerant with the chemical formula C2HF5. It is a colorless, non-flammable gas at room temperature and standard pressure, commonly handled as a liquefied refrigerant under pressure. It has a low boiling point, which makes it suitable for use in vapor-compression refrigeration systems.

In refrigeration and air conditioning, HFC-125 is used as a refrigerant on its own and as a component in various blends. It is a major constituent of several high-GWP refrigerant mixtures and is found in equipment designed for medium to low temperature applications. Its physical properties enable efficient heat transfer in these systems, and it is chosen for compatibility with lubricants and materials used in modern refrigerant circuits.

Environmental and regulatory context is a key consideration for HFC-125. The substance has zero ozone depletion potential but a high global warming potential, typically cited in the several-thousand range over a 100-year horizon. It exhibits a long atmospheric lifetime, measured in decades. Because of its high GWP, many regions regulate its use in new equipment and promote the adoption of lower-GWP alternatives as part of broader efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Safety and handling notes indicate that HFC-125 has low acute toxicity and is non-flammable under normal conditions. Nevertheless, it can act as a simple asphyxiant in confined spaces, and high-temperature decomposition can produce hazardous byproducts such as hydrogen fluoride. Proper leak prevention, ventilation, and standard refrigerant handling practices are essential.