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Ch.18 - Chemistry of the Environment
All textbooksBrown 15th EditionCh.18 - Chemistry of the EnvironmentProblem 62
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Chapter 18, Problem 62

(a) What is the difference between a CFC and an HFC?

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)

CFCs are organic compounds that contain carbon, chlorine, and fluorine. They were commonly used as refrigerants, propellants, and solvents. However, CFCs are known to deplete the ozone layer, leading to environmental regulations that have phased them out in many applications.

Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)

HFCs are a class of compounds that contain hydrogen, fluorine, and carbon. They were developed as a replacement for CFCs because they do not deplete the ozone layer. However, HFCs are potent greenhouse gases, which has led to ongoing discussions about their regulation and potential alternatives.

Environmental Impact

The environmental impact of CFCs and HFCs is significant, particularly concerning ozone depletion and global warming. CFCs contribute to ozone layer thinning, while HFCs, although ozone-friendly, have high global warming potential. Understanding these impacts is crucial for evaluating the sustainability of refrigerants and their role in climate change.
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Textbook Question

A reaction for converting ketones to lactones, called the Baeyer–Villiger reaction,

is used in the manufacture of plastics and pharmaceu- ticals. 3-Chloroperbenzoic acid is shock-sensitive, how- ever, and prone to explode. Also, 3-chlorobenzoic acid is a waste product. An alternative process being developed uses hydrogen peroxide and a catalyst consisting of tin deposited within a solid support. The catalyst is readily recovered from the reaction mixture. (a) What would you expect to be the other product of oxidation of the ketone to lactone by hydrogen peroxide?

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Textbook Question

In the following three instances, which choice is greener in a chemical process? Explain. (a) A reaction that can be run at 350 K for 12 h without a catalyst or one that can be run at 300 K for 1 h with a reusable catalyst.

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Textbook Question

Natural gas consists primarily of methane, CH4(g). (b) Write a balanced chemical equation for the incomplete combustion of methane to product CO(g) as the only carbon-containg product.

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Textbook Question

One of the possible consequences of climate change is an increase in the temperature of ocean water. The oceans serve as a 'sink' for CO2 by dissolving large amounts of it.

(a) The figure below shows the solubility of CO2 in water as a function of temperature. Does CO2 behave more or less similarly to other gases in this respect?

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Textbook Question

The rate of solar energy striking Earth averages 168 watts per square meter. The rate of energy radiated from Earth's surface averages 390 watts per square meter. Comparing these numbers, one might expect that the planet would cool quickly, yet it does not. Why not?

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