Freon 12 is manufactured from tetrachloromethane using the Swarts reaction. Freons are widely used in industrial applications for aerosol propellants, refrigeration, and air conditioning.
How is Freon 12 manufactured, and for what purposes are freons typically used in industrial applications?
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Freon-12, also known as dichlorodifluoromethane (CFC-12), was historically manufactured by reacting carbon tetrachloride with hydrogen fluoride. However, due to environmental concerns, its production has been largely phased out. Freons, including Freon-12, were commonly used in industrial applications as refrigerants in air conditioning and refrigeration systems. Their low boiling points and heat-absorbing properties made them effective in heat transfer. They were also used as propellants in aerosol products. In modern times, the use of Freon-12 has decreased significantly due to its ozone-depleting potential, and alternative, environmentally friendly refrigerants have been adopted in many applications.