hüdrohloofluorosüsivesinikke

Hydrofluorocarbons, often abbreviated as HFCs, are a group of synthetic organic compounds containing hydrogen, fluorine, and carbon atoms. They are a class of chemicals that emerged as replacements for ozone-depleting substances such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) due to their lack of chlorine atoms, which are responsible for stratospheric ozone depletion. HFCs were widely adopted for various applications including refrigeration, air conditioning, aerosol propellants, and foam blowing agents.

While HFCs do not harm the ozone layer, they are potent greenhouse gases. This means they contribute significantly to global warming when released into the atmosphere. The global warming potential (GWP) of HFCs varies widely, with some compounds having GWPs thousands of times greater than carbon dioxide over a 100-year period. Recognizing their climate impact, international agreements such as the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol have been established to phase down the production and consumption of HFCs. This phase-down aims to transition industries towards lower-GWP alternatives, including hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs) and natural refrigerants.