Fluorocarbon
(noun)
A compound containing both carbon and fluorine, especially a synthetic polymer used as a refrigerant or solvent.
Origin:
Late 19th century: from fluorine + carbon.
Examples:
- Fluorocarbons are used as solvents for a wide range of industrial and household cleaning products.
- Fluorocarbons have a high thermal stability and low toxicity, making them a popular choice for use as refrigerants.
- Fluorocarbons are commonly used in air conditioning and refrigeration systems due to their low boiling points.
- Fluorocarbons are now recognized as major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions and the depletion of ozone in the stratosphere.
- Fluorocarbons are not biodegradable, so they persist in the environment long after they have been released.