When chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) and hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) refrigerants decompose at high temperatures, which of the following gases can be produced?

• A. Cl_2 and HF
• B. HCl and HF
• C. HCl and Cl_2
• D. CO_2 and SO_2

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the chemical composition of the refrigerants: CFCs contain chlorine (Cl), fluorine (F), and carbon (C), while HCFCs contain hydrogen (H), chlorine (Cl), fluorine (F), and carbon (C).
2. Recognize that when these compounds decompose at high temperatures, the bonds break and the atoms can recombine to form simpler molecules containing the elements present.
3. Identify the possible products based on the elements available: since HCFCs contain hydrogen, chlorine, and fluorine, the decomposition can produce hydrogen chloride (HCl) and hydrogen fluoride (HF).
4. Note that molecular chlorine (Cl_2) is less likely to form directly from these decompositions because chlorine atoms tend to bond with hydrogen or fluorine to form HCl or HF under these conditions.
5. Conclude that the gases produced are HCl and HF, as these are the stable gaseous products formed from the breakdown of CFCs and HCFCs at high temperatures.