Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) MVAC Certification

At high temperatures, CFC-12 can decompose to form which of the following?

1. Carbon dioxide

2. Hydrochloric acid

3. Hydrofluoric acid

4. Hydrochloric or hydrofluoric acid

The correct answer is: Hydrochloric or hydrofluoric acid

The correct answer highlights the decomposition products of CFC-12 when exposed to high temperatures. Chlorofluorocarbon compounds like CFC-12 can break down through thermal decomposition, particularly in scenarios involving high temperatures. During this process, the chlorine atoms in the CFC molecule can react with hydrogen or other elements, leading to the formation of hydrochloric acid and potentially hydrofluoric acid. Hydrochloric acid is formed when the chlorine atoms react with any available hydrogen, while hydrofluoric acid can occur if fluorine is involved in the reaction with hydrogen or certain other chemistry present after decomposition. Both of these acids are significant due to their corrosive nature and environmental implications. This understanding is critical in the context of environmental protection, particularly concerning the emissions and by-products that can arise from the use and breakdown of CFCs, which are known for their detrimental effects on ozone depletion. Being able to identify and predict these products underscores the importance of handling such chemicals properly and being aware of their potential hazards in both the atmosphere and in disposal scenarios.