What are freons ?

Explanation

The chlorofluoro compounds of methane and ethane are collectively known as Freons. They are extremely stable, unreactive, non toxic non-corrosive and easily liquefiable gases. Dichloro difuoromethane (`C Cl_2F_2 ` or Freon 12) is one of the most common Freons in industrial use. It is manufactured from tetrachloromethane by Swarts reaction.
` 3 C Cl_4 + 2SbF_3 overset("heat")to 3 C Cl_2 F_2 + 2SbCl_3 `
Freons are used as refrigerants in refrigerators and air conditioners hence the name Freons. They have also been used extensively as propellants for aerosols and foams to spray out deodorants, cleaners, hair sprays, shaving creams, insecticides, etc. It is now established that Freons delplete the protective ozone layer surrounding our planet. Therefore, the use of Freons as propellants and refrigerants has been drastically curtailed or banned in many countries. Freons also leads to Green house effect. (or tetrachloromethane)