At high temperatures, what can CFC-12 decompose to form?

At high temperatures, CFC-12 (dichlorodifluoromethane) can decompose to form hydrochloric acid and/or hydrofluoric acid. This decomposition occurs because, under extreme thermal conditions, the chemical bonds in CFC-12 break down, leading to the release of chlorine and fluorine atoms. These elements can then react with hydrogen (often present as a product from the breakdown of other compounds) to form acids like hydrochloric acid (HCl) and hydrofluoric acid (HF).

The formation of these acids is particularly concerning in the context of environmental and health impacts, as they can contribute to corrosive hazards and other chemical reactions in the atmosphere or in enclosed spaces. Hydrochloric and hydrofluoric acids are both highly corrosive and can be harmful to human health, underscoring the importance of handling refrigerants like CFC-12 with care, especially at high temperatures.