IV.

Uses

Fluorine compounds have many applications. The chlorofluorocarbons, odorless and nonpoisonous liquids or gases such as Freon, are used as a dispersing agent in aerosol sprays and as a refrigerant. In 1974, however, some scientists suggested that these chemicals reached the stratosphere and were destroying Earth's ozone layer. With confirmation of these findings by the late 1980s, the production of these chemicals began to be phased out (see Environment). Another chemical, Teflon, a fluorine plastic that is very resistant to most chemical action, is widely used to make such products as motor gaskets and dashboard accessories in the automobile industry. Teflon is also used as a coating on the inner surface of frying pans and other kitchen utensils to reduce the need for fat in cooking. Many organic fluorine compounds developed during World War II (1939-1945) showed extensive commercial potential. For example, the liquid fluorinated hydrocarbons derived from petroleum are useful as highly stable lubricating oils. Uranium hexafluoride, the only volatile compound of uranium, is used in the gaseous diffusion process to provide fuel for atomic power plants.