If R-12 or R-22 are exposed to high temperatures, what can they decompose to form?

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Multiple Choice

If R-12 or R-22 are exposed to high temperatures, what can they decompose to form?

When R-12 or R-22 is exposed to high temperatures, the refrigerant molecules break down and release halogen components (chlorine and fluorine). Those halogens combine with hydrogen to form hydrochloric acid (HCl) and hydrofluoric acid (HF). These acids are highly corrosive and toxic, which is why overheating these refrigerants is a serious safety concern. The other options don’t fit because complete combustion to water and carbon dioxide isn’t the typical outcome for these refrigerants, and ammonia/methane or pure oxygen aren’t products of their thermal decomposition.

When R-12 or R-22 is exposed to high temperatures, the refrigerant molecules break down and release halogen components (chlorine and fluorine). Those halogens combine with hydrogen to form hydrochloric acid (HCl) and hydrofluoric acid (HF). These acids are highly corrosive and toxic, which is why overheating these refrigerants is a serious safety concern. The other options don’t fit because complete combustion to water and carbon dioxide isn’t the typical outcome for these refrigerants, and ammonia/methane or pure oxygen aren’t products of their thermal decomposition.

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