Which type of refrigerants has the highest ozone depletion potential?

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are known to have the highest ozone depletion potential among the refrigerants listed. This is primarily due to their chemical structure, which includes chlorine, bromine, and fluorine atoms. When CFCs are released into the atmosphere, they eventually reach the stratosphere, where ultraviolet (UV) radiation breaks them down, releasing chlorine atoms. These chlorine atoms react with ozone (O3) molecules, leading to depletion of the ozone layer that protects the Earth from harmful UV radiation.

The significance of this ozone depletion potential is heightened by the fact that CFCs are very stable in the lower atmosphere, allowing them to persist long enough to reach the stratosphere and contribute to ozone destruction. Therefore, the environmental impact of CFCs has led to stringent regulations, such as the Montreal Protocol, aimed at phasing out their use and encouraging the adoption of more environmentally friendly refrigerants.