Which refrigerant is known for being a substitute for ozone-depleting refrigerants in automotive applications?

HFC-134a is recognized as a substitute for ozone-depleting refrigerants, particularly in automotive applications. This refrigerant does not contain chlorine, which is responsible for ozone depletion, making it an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional refrigerants like R-12 and CFC-11. Historically, R-12 and CFC-11 contained chlorofluorocarbons that contribute to ozone layer depletion, leading to regulations aimed at phasing them out. HFC-134a was developed to provide effective cooling without harming the ozone layer, which aligns with the objectives of the Montreal Protocol and increased awareness of environmental sustainability in refrigeration practices.

HFC-134a has been widely adopted in vehicle air conditioning systems, helping to reduce the environmental impact associated with older refrigerants. In contrast, R-22 also has ozone-depleting potential despite being widely used in cooling systems, making it a less suitable choice regarding environmental impact.