| Chemical Properties | Chlorodifluorobromomethane is a colorless
gas or liquid under pressure. |
| Definition | ChEBI: A one-carbon compound that is methane in which the hydrogens have been replaced by two fluorines, a bromine, and a chlorine. Widely used in 'vapourising liquid'-type fire extinguishers, its use is now generally banned under the Montreal Protocol (ozone-dep
eting substances), although it is still used in certain applications (e.g. aviation). |
| General Description | BROMOCHLORODIFLUOROMETHANE is a colorless, nonflammable gas. BROMOCHLORODIFLUOROMETHANE is mildly toxic by inhalation. BROMOCHLORODIFLUOROMETHANE can asphyxiate by the displacement of air. Exposure of the container to prolonged heat or fire may cause BROMOCHLORODIFLUOROMETHANE to rupture violently and rocket. BROMOCHLORODIFLUOROMETHANE is used as a refrigerant gas. |
| Reactivity Profile | BROMOCHLORODIFLUOROMETHANE is chemically inert in many situations, but can react violently with strong reducing agents such as the very active metals and the active metals. Can react with strong oxidizing agents or weaker oxidizing agents under extremes of temperature. |
| Health Hazard | Vapors may cause dizziness or asphyxiation without warning. Vapors from liquefied gas are initially heavier than air and spread along ground. Contact with gas or liquefied gas may cause burns, severe injury and/or frostbite. Fire may produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. |
| Fire Hazard | Some may burn but none ignite readily. Containers may explode when heated. Ruptured cylinders may rocket. |
| Safety Profile | Mutation data reported.
An asphyxiant. See also ARGON for
description of inert gas asphyxiants. When
heated to decomposition it emits very toxic
fumes of Br-, Cl-, and F- |
| Potential Exposure | Used as a refrigerant and fire extinguishing agent. |
| Shipping | UN1974 Chlorodifluorobromomethane or
Refrigerant gas R-12B1, Hazard Class: 2.2; Labels: 2.2-
Nonflammable compressed gas. Cylinders must be transported in a secure upright position, in a well-ventilated
truck. Protect cylinder and labels from physical damage.
The owner of the compressed gas cylinder is the only entity
allowed by federal law (49CFR) to transport and refill
them. It is a violation of transportation regulations to refill
compressed gas cylinders without the express written
permission of the owner. |
| Incompatibilities | The liquefied gas poured into water may
be violently explosive. This is due to the phase transition
from superheated liquid to vapor. Chlorodifluorobromomethane is generally chemically inert; however, it can
react violently with strong reducing agents such as hydrides
and highly active metals. It will react with strong oxidizers
(chlorates, nitrates, peroxides, permanganates, perchlorates,
chlorine, bromine, fluorine, etc.); contact may cause fires
or explosions. Keep away from alkaline materials, strong
bases, strong acids, oxoacids, epoxides strong oxidizing
agents. It can also react with weak oxidizers under extreme
temperatures. |
| Waste Disposal | Return refillable compressed
gas cylinders to supplier. |
