HFC134a

HFC134a, also known as 1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane, is a hydrofluorocarbon compound. It has the chemical formula CH2FCF3. HFC134a is a non-flammable gas at room temperature and pressure. It was developed as a replacement for chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) due to its zero ozone depletion potential.

The primary application of HFC134a has been as a refrigerant, particularly in automotive air conditioning systems and domestic refrigerators. It is also used as a propellant in metered-dose inhalers for medical purposes and in some aerosol products. Its thermodynamic properties, such as a suitable boiling point and vapor pressure, make it effective for cooling applications.

While HFC134a does not deplete the ozone layer, it is a greenhouse gas with a global warming potential (GWP) significantly higher than carbon dioxide. This has led to efforts and regulations to phase down its production and use in many regions. Alternatives with lower GWPs are increasingly being adopted in refrigeration and air conditioning technologies.