On the basis of chemical reactions involved, explain how do chlorofluorcarbons cause thinning of ozone layer in stratosphere?
Chlorofluorocarbons are introduced into the atmosphere from aerosol sprays in which they function as propellants and from refrigerating equipments in which they act as coolants. It is alse used as solvents.
It has very long life and stay in atmosphere for years and ultimately reach the upper layer of atmosphere (stratosphere) where it decompose in presence of UV-radiation of the sun. On account of decomposition, it forms chlorine atom or free radicals.
The active chlorine atoms then destroy the ozone layer.
It has been found that one molecule of chlorofluorocarbon can destroy one thousand ozone molecules in the stratosphere.
