trifluorochloromethane: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowTechnical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “trifluorochloromethane” mean?
A chemical compound consisting of methane where three hydrogen atoms are replaced by fluorine atoms and one by a chlorine atom (CFC-13).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A chemical compound consisting of methane where three hydrogen atoms are replaced by fluorine atoms and one by a chlorine atom (CFC-13).
A specific chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) used historically as a refrigerant and propellant, now largely phased out due to its ozone-depleting properties.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Pronunciation may vary slightly (see IPA). Spelling is identical.
Connotations
Identical technical/scientific connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Extremely rare in general discourse in both regions, confined to technical chemistry, environmental science, and industrial contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “trifluorochloromethane” in a Sentence
The [noun] contains trifluorochloromethane.Trifluorochloromethane was used as a [noun].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “trifluorochloromethane” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The trifluorochloromethane concentration was measured.
- Old trifluorochloromethane-based systems are now banned.
American English
- The trifluorochloromethane level was tested.
- Trifluorochloromethane-containing aerosols are prohibited.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Mentioned in historical contexts of manufacturing, regulatory compliance, or environmental liability reports.
Academic
Used in chemistry, environmental science, and chemical engineering papers discussing CFCs, atmospheric chemistry, or refrigeration history.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
The primary domain. Used in chemical formulas, safety data sheets, technical manuals for old equipment, and environmental monitoring.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “trifluorochloromethane”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “trifluorochloromethane”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “trifluorochloromethane”
- Misspelling: 'triflorochloromethane' (missing 'u').
- Mispronunciation: stressing the wrong syllable (e.g., 'trifluoroCHLOROmethane'). Correct primary stress is on 'meth'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Its production and major use have been phased out globally under the Montreal Protocol due to its ozone-depleting properties. Very limited, critical uses may exist under strict exemption.
In industry, it was often called Freon 13, R-13, or simply CFC-13.
It is a stable compound that rises to the stratosphere, where ultraviolet radiation breaks it down, releasing chlorine atoms that catalytically destroy ozone molecules.
It is highly unlikely. Any equipment containing it (like very old commercial refrigeration units) is now rare and subject to strict regulations for recovery and destruction.
A chemical compound consisting of methane where three hydrogen atoms are replaced by fluorine atoms and one by a chlorine atom (CFC-13).
Trifluorochloromethane is usually technical/scientific in register.
Trifluorochloromethane: in British English it is pronounced /ˌtraɪˌflʊərəʊˌklɔːrəʊˈmiːθeɪn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌtraɪˌflʊroʊˌklɔːroʊˈmeɪθeɪn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: TRI (three) FLUORO (fluorine) CHLORO (chlorine) METHANE (the base hydrocarbon). A methane molecule with three fluorines and one chlorine.
Conceptual Metaphor
N/A (Highly technical term)
Practice
Quiz
Trifluorochloromethane is primarily classified as what type of compound?