Which family of chemicals is known to have a high ozone depleting potential?

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are a class of compounds that have been widely recognized for their significant potential to deplete the ozone layer. Their chemical structure, which includes chlorine, fluorine, and carbon, allows them to release chlorine atoms when they are broken down by ultraviolet (UV) radiation in the stratosphere. These chlorine atoms participate in a series of chemical reactions that lead to the destruction of ozone (O3) molecules, which are crucial for absorbing harmful UV radiation from the sun.

The history of CFCs is closely tied to environmental regulations, particularly the Montreal Protocol, which aimed to phase out the use of substances that harm the ozone layer due to their high ozone-depleting potential. Their prevalence in aerosol sprays, refrigeration systems, and other applications contributed significantly to ozone layer thinning, making them a major focus of environmental policies.

While other families of chemicals, like hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), also possess ozone-depleting qualities, they are considered to have a lower potential for ozone depletion compared to CFCs. This distinction further emphasizes the reasons why CFCs are recognized specifically for their high ozone-depleting potential.