Can freon affect the ozone layer?

Answer 1

Freon is actually a brand name for a class of compounds known that contain fluorine, and are gases at room temperature. If the compound also contains the halogens chlorine or bromine, these compounds are known ozone depleters (CFCs, HCFCs, and so on). The fluorine presents no challenge, but the other halogens do. For instance, Freon R-12 is CCl2F2. These compounds were commonly used until it was discovered that they can catalytically destroy ozone. Bromine from Halons has a very similar effect. Here is what happens when these man-made molecules are released into the atmosphere: # They mix in the troposphere # They mix into the stratosphere # When exposed to UV light, the C-Cl bond is broken and the free radical Cl. is formed # Cl. reacts with ozone (O3) to form O2 and ClO, another radical. # ClO reacts with O to form O2 and Cl. # Go back to step 4. and the process repeats itself until the Cl is rained out as HCl. It could repeat ozone destruction 10,000 times plus or minus, depending only on other compounds to tie it back up, and UV not to release it again. The net chemical reaction is this: O3 + O --> 2O2 CFC's remain in the atmosphere for something like 50 years, continually destroying ozone. Since they were banned by the Montreal Protocol, they have largely been replaced by similar molecules, but these new ones are less stable. These new molecules are destroyed before they are able to reach the stratosphere, where the protective layer of ozone is found, and do not destroy ozone. Many developing nations continue to use the old dangerous CFC's however. The R12 Freon (for one example of hundreds) refrigerant was phased out due to being a Ozone (O3) destroying / interactive chemical. It was replaced with R134. Since the phasing out of R12, measurements of the Antarctic Ozone layer show that the Ozone is recovering and is therefore cited as a positive change resulting from environmental policy. Update: record size ozone hole in 2007, and near record in 2008. R12 may be reduced, but other compounds have apparently stepped in.

Answer 2

Freon affect the ozone layer. They are man made synthetic chemicals. They also decompose the ozone.

Answer 3

FREONS are ozone depleting substances. They decompose the ozone.

Answer 4

CFC's react with ozone to form nascent oxygen. They then again react to form a chain reaction.

Answer 5

Refrigerators contain CFC's which contain chlorine and fluorine molecules. These molecules are the ones which react with ozone and decompose it to deplete it.

Answer 6

Freons actually destroy the ozone layer. It is because the form oxides with the ozone molcules.