Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) are greenhouse gases and cause ozone destruction. To stop further ozone depletion, the Montreal Protocol was phase out HCFCs by 2020 for developed countries and 2030 for developing countries. We used CD3CD2CHFCl as a model system to emulate real HCFCs and better understand how they react. By looking at the unimolecular reaction of an energized CD3CD2CHFCl molecule, we can see the different degradation pathways it can take. The kinetic data together with computational results shows that 1,1-HX elimination process (X = Cl, F) can became competitive at higher temperatures with the well known 1,2-HX elimination reactions. By studying these degradation pathways, we can better understand how to destroy these HCFCs or convert them into feedstock for use by chemical industries.
