General properties of HCFCs

Introduction

Chlorodifluoromethane is a non-flammable, colourless and nearly odourless gas under normal conditions. A large proportion is used as a chemical intermediate and therefore not emitted into the atmosphere. Other important uses are in refrigeration and in air conditioning systems; with present practice, most of the chlorodifluoromethane so used will eventually be emitted into the atmosphere.

Its moderate water solubility and low octanol/water partition coefficient indicate a negligible bioaccumulation potential. Contamination of water and food would not be expected from its physical and chemical properties and has not been reported.

Source
Joint Assessment of Commodity Chemicals No. 9
CHLORODIFLUOROMETHANE (HCFC-22)
ECETOC, October 19, 1989

Identity

HCFC-123 (2,2-dichloro-1,1,1- trifluoro-ethane)

Introduction

1,1-Dichloro-2,2,2-trifluoroethane is a non-flammable, volatile, colourless liquid under ambient conditions and has a faint odour of ether. It is produced and used as a substitute for the fully halogenated chlorofluorocarbons with comparable physical properties since it has more favourable environmental properties.

Dichlorotrifluoroethane would not be considered to be readily biodegradable. Studies conducted in algae, Daphnia, and rainbow trout indicated a moderate level of toxicity to aquatic organisms. The octanol/water partition coefficient (Pow, = 2.0-2.8) is indicative of a low potential to bioaccumulate.

Source
Joint Assessment of Commodity Chemicals No. 33
HCFC-123 (1,1-Dichloro-2,2,2-Trifluoroethane)
ECETOC, February 1996

Identity

HCFC-124 (1 chloro-1,2,2,2-tetrafluoroethane)

Introduction

1-Chloro-1,2,2,2-tetrafluoroethane (chlorotetrafluoroethane), a non-flammable colourless gas at room temperature.

Source
Joint Assessment of Commodity Chemicals No. 25
HCFC 124 (1-chloro-1,2,2,2- tetrafluoroethane) July 1994

Identity

HCFC-141b (1 ,1-dichloro-1-fluoroethane)

Introduction

1,1-dichloro-1-fluoroethane (dichlorofluoroethane) is produced and used as a substitute for fully halogenated chlorofluorocarbons with comparable physical properties since it has more favourable environmental properties.

It is a volatile non flammable colourless liquid, with a weak ethereal odour and is slightly soluble in water. The low octanol/water partition coefficient (Pow = 2,3) indicates a low potential for bioaccumulation. The physical properties and results of acute ecotoxicity studies indicate that dichlorofluoroethane presents a low risk to the aquatic environment.

Identity

HCFC-142b (1-chloro-1,1-difluoroethane)

Identity