First page Back Continue Last page Graphics
Chemistry in the Environment:
The Reactions Involved in Ozone Depletion
Chlorine atoms from chlorofluorocarbons deplete the ozone layer.
In the final reaction, atomic chlorine is regenerated and can go through the cycle again to deplete more ozone.
Through this cycle of reactions, a single chlorofluorocarbon molecule can deplete thousands of ozone molecules.
Source: Chapter 6, Chemistry in the Environment: Chlorine in Chlorofluorocarbons