hydrofluorocarbon, n. Chem.
Brit. /ˌhʌɪdrə(ʊ)ˈflʊərəʊkɑːb(ə)n/, /ˌhʌɪdrə(ʊ)ˈflɔːrəkɑːb(ə)n/, U.S. /ˌhaɪdroʊˈflɔroʊˌkɑrb(ə)n/, /ˌhaɪdroʊˈflʊroʊˌkɑrb(ə)n/
[‹ hydro- comb. form + fluorocarbon n.]
Any of a class of partly fluorinated hydrocarbons, some of which are used as an alternative to CFCs in refrigeration, etc.; abbreviated HFC.
1948 M. Stacey Lect. New Fluorocarbon Chem. 9 Liquid phase reaction on hydrofluorocarbons and chlorofluorocarbons with a stable diluent or solvent. 1964 Proc. Royal Soc. (A.) 282 108 Viton B is a hydrofluorocarbon elastomer. 1990 Heating, Piping, Air Conditioning (Nexis) Apr. 24 The preliminary results showed that hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) have significant environmental advantages over CFCs, are negligible contributors to ground level ozone, and offer a 90 percent reduction in calculated global warming potential. 1998 New Scientist 7 Feb. 13/2 The researchers say that fluoroform is the most abundant of a group of gases known as hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which were placed under international control for the first time at the Kyoto climate conference in December. |