Freon

• Freon is the commercial name for a group of chemicals known as chlorofluorocarbons. Chlorofluorocarbons, or CFCs are chemical compounds that remain a gas at room temperature. Freon is most often used as a refrigerant or an aerosol, with the most basic molecule known as Freon-12. Freon is made up of carbon, fluorine and chlorine molecules.
  
  

Freon Interactions

• Chlorofluorocarbons have become a controversial product, as they become highly unstable in the upper atmosphere. These CFCs are lighter than air and quickly travel to the upper atmosphere UV radiation breaks the molecules apart. The chlorine molecules in the Freon then bind with ozone molecules, causing them to break apart. For this reason, Freon causes considerable damage to the ozone layer, and its molecules remain active in the upper atmosphere for decades.
  
  

Ammonia

• Ammonia is a chemical compound that is a gas at room temperature. Ammonia is widely used in manufacturing applications, as well as in emissions monitoring. Additionally, ammonia can be used as an alternative to Freon in cooling systems. The melting point of ammonia is minus 78 degrees Celsius, while its boiling point is minus 33 degrees Celsius.
  
  

Ammonia Attributes

• Ammonia is highly compressible, which may account for its popularity as a Freon alternative. Ammonia also has less of an impact on the environment. Ammonia reacts with several materials, vinylidene polyfluoride plastics and nitrile rubber. Hydrocarbon based lubricants also chemically react with ammonia, as well as most types of silicon.