Chlorodifluoromethane price index

Chlorodifluoromethane price October 2024 and outlook (see chart below)

• Northeast Asia:US$4.03/KG, 0.5% up

The chart below summarizes Chlorodifluoromethane price trend per region, as well as the outlook. It takes a moment to load.

Chlorodifluoromethane price index

This post is a summary of the Chlorodifluoromethane price developments. The price developments of Chlorodifluoromethane are expressed in US$ prices converted FX rates applicable at the time when the price was valid. Chlorodifluoromethane price index developments are calculated from multiple separate sources of data to ensure statistical accuracy.

The outlook for Chlorodifluoromethane prices, on the second tab, is generated from different inputs including:

• Very recent price developments of immediate cost drivers of Chlorodifluoromethane prices
• Recent price developments of underlying feedstocks which drive the price of Chlorodifluoromethane
• Market futures for both cost drives and feedstocks of Chlorodifluoromethane prices
• Adjustment of current supply/demand imbalances in the Chlorodifluoromethane market
• Longer term trends in likely demand conditions

Further information on the Chlorodifluoromethane price chart

 

What is Chlorodifluoromethane

Chlorodifluoromethane, commonly known as HCFC-22 (hydrochlorofluorocarbon-22) or R-22, is a chemical compound widely used in refrigeration, air conditioning systems, and as a chemical intermediate. Below is a detailed explanation of its properties, production, uses, and key aspects.

 

How is Chlorodifluoromethane produced

Chlorodifluoromethane is typically produced through the fluorination of chloroform (CHCl₃). This is done by reacting chloroform with hydrogen fluoride (HF) in the presence of a catalyst (such as antimony pentachloride) to substitute the chlorine atoms with fluorine atoms.

Chloroform (CHCl₃) reacts with hydrogen fluoride (HF), leading to the replacement of one chlorine atom with two fluorine atoms to form chlorodifluoromethane.
Hydrochloric acid (HCl) is formed as a byproduct.

 

What is Chlorodifluoromethane used for

Refrigerant

R-22 was widely used as a refrigerant in air conditioning systems, refrigerators, freezers, and heat pumps.
Phasing out: Due to its ozone-depleting potential, its use is being phased out under the Montreal Protocol, and it has been largely replaced by alternatives such as R-410A in new systems.

Blowing Agent for Foam

Used in the production of foam insulation materials, particularly rigid polyurethane foams, as a blowing agent to create the foam structure.

Chemical Intermediate

HCFC-22 is an important precursor in the production of tetrafluoroethylene (TFE), which is used to manufacture polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or Teflon.

Fire Suppression Systems

In some fire suppression systems, R-22 was used as an extinguishing agent, but its use in this context has diminished.

Heat Transfer Medium

Employed in certain heat transfer applications in industrial processes due to its thermodynamic properties.

 

What are the key characteristics of Chlorodifluoromethane

Physical Properties:

State: Colorless gas at room temperature; liquefied under pressure.
Boiling Point: -40.8 °C (-41.4 °F)
Melting Point: -160 °C (-256 °F)
Density: 3.66 g/L (gas at 0°C)
Vapor Pressure: 1,305 kPa (at 25 °C)
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water; miscible with most organic solvents like alcohol and ethers.
Odor: Slight, ether-like smell.

Thermal Properties:

Thermal Conductivity: Low, which makes it efficient for insulation purposes in cooling systems.
Flammability: Classified as non-flammable, but under high temperatures, it can decompose into toxic substances like hydrochloric acid and hydrofluoric acid.

Chemical Properties:

Contains one chlorine (Cl) atom, two fluorine (F) atoms, and one hydrogen (H) atom attached to a carbon (C) backbone.
Stability: Chemically stable but can degrade in the atmosphere, leading to the release of chlorine, which has ozone-depleting effects.

 

How big is the global Chlorodifluoromethane market

Market Size (2023)

Estimated Valuation: The global HCFC-22 market was valued at approximately USD 800 million to USD 1 billion in 2023.

Historical Context

Pre-Phase-Out Period: Prior to the implementation of the Montreal Protocol’s phase-out schedules, HCFC-22 was widely used as a refrigerant, in foam blowing, and as a chemical intermediate.
Phase-Out Impact: With the gradual reduction in HCFC-22 production and consumption mandated by international agreements, the market has been contracting steadily.

Projected Growth (2024-2030)

Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR): The HCFC-22 market is expected to decline at a CAGR of approximately -5% to -7% from 2024 to 2030.

Factors Influencing Decline:

Regulatory Restrictions: Continued implementation of the Montreal Protocol and its Kigali Amendment, which targets the reduction of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and HCFCs.
Availability of Alternatives: Increasing adoption of environmentally friendly refrigerants like R-410A, R-32, and newer hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs).

Key Market Drivers

Regulatory Compliance:

Montreal Protocol: International treaty aimed at phasing out substances that deplete the ozone layer, including HCFC-22.
National Regulations: Many countries have established strict timelines for the reduction and eventual elimination of HCFC-22 usage.

Shift to Alternative Refrigerants:

Environmental Concerns: Growing awareness and regulations regarding global warming potential (GWP) and ozone depletion potential (ODP) of HCFC-22.
Technological Advancements: Development and commercialization of alternative refrigerants with lower environmental impacts.

End-of-Life Equipment Replacement:

Existing Systems: A significant portion of HCFC-22 demand stems from servicing and maintaining existing refrigeration and air conditioning systems.
Retrofitting and Recycling: Efforts to reclaim and recycle HCFC-22 from decommissioned systems to comply with environmental standards.