refrigerant

Refrigerants are chemical compounds used in refrigeration and air-conditioning systems to remove heat and lower temperatures. The development of modern refrigerants began in the late 1920s with the discovery of fluorine-containing compounds by Thomas Midgley, Jr.. These new refrigerants, such as Freon 12 (dichlorodifluoromethane) and Freon 22 (chlorodifluoromethane), were sought as safer alternatives to ammonia, which is toxic and has a strong odor.12

Freons, a trademarked group of fluorinated organic compounds, were introduced in the 1930s. They are known for being colorless, odorless, nonflammable, and having low toxicity, making them ideal for refrigeration systems. However, in the mid-1970s, it was discovered that Freons and related chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) contribute to the depletion of the Earth's ozone layer. This led to regulations and bans on their production and use. Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) were developed as replacements with zero ozone depletion potential, but they are potent greenhouse gases, leading to further regulations.34