Chlorotrifluoromethane


Chlorotrifluoromethane, R-13, CFC-13, or Freon 13, is a non-flammable, non-corrosive chlorofluorocarbon and also a mixed halomethane. It is used as a refrigerant, however, due to concerns about its ozone-depleting potential, its use has been phased out due to the Montreal Protocol.

Preparation

It can be prepared by reacting carbon tetrachloride with hydrogen fluoride in the presence of a catalytic amount of antimony pentachloride:
CCl4 + 3HF CClF3 + 3HCl
This reaction can also produce trichlorofluoromethane, dichlorodifluoromethane and tetrafluoromethane.

Physical properties