Question

What are chlorofluorocarbons, why they become popular as substitute of ammonia as refrigerant?

Answer 1

A chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) is an organic compound which contains carbon, chlorine and fluorine produced as a volatile derivative of methane and ethane.

Pure ammonia gas is highly toxic to humans and would pose a threat if the refrigerator were to leak. Hence, CFCs became popular as a substitute of ammonia as a refrigerant.