Identification of the CHClF2 molecule fragmentation paths by electron impact

Abstract

CFC compounds in the atmosphere play a crucial role to the environment, being the main responsible for the enlargement of the ozone hole. Recent studies show that electron impact can be a significant process for the fragmentation of these molecules; for this reason, the collisional processes of CHClF2 by electron impact were studied. Total and partial cross sections have been obtained, showing the predominance of the release of neutral chlorine, which is the main responsible for the breaking down of ozone molecules. There is a strong indication that this chlorine is being released as a result of the ionization of electrons from both chlorine and fluorine orbitals. © Published under licence by IOP Publishing Ltd.