trichlorofluoromethane

chemical compound

Also known as: CFC-11, F-11, Freon 11

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Last updated

July 14, 2026

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Trichlorofluoromethane, also known as Freon 11 or CFC-11, is a chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) compound. It is a colorless, odorless, nonflammable, and noncorrosive gas with low toxicity, historically used as a refrigerant and aerosol propellant.12

However, CFCs like trichlorofluoromethane were found to significantly deplete the Earth's ozone layer by releasing chlorine atoms in the stratosphere, which destroy ozone molecules. This depletion poses a threat by increasing harmful ultraviolet radiation reaching the Earth's surface, potentially leading to increased skin cancer rates. Due to these environmental concerns, the production and use of trichlorofluoromethane and most other Freons have been banned globally.21

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chlorofluorocarbon
Some of these compounds, especially trichlorofluoromethane (CFC-11) and dichlorodifluoromethane (CFC-12), found use as aerosol-spray propellants, solvents, and foam-blowing agents. They are well suited for these and other applications because they are nontoxic and nonflammable and can be readily converted from a liquid to a gas and vice versa.
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Some of these compounds, especially trichlorofluoromethane (CFC-11) and dichlorodifluoromethane (CFC-12), found use as aerosol-spray propellants, solvents, and foam-blowing agents. They are well suited for these and other applications because they are nontoxic and nonflammable and can be readily converted from a liquid to a gas and vice versa.
Read More