Chlorofluorocarbons (CFC's) are organic compounds that have been implicated in ozone depletion. When the CFC known as Freon 12 (CCl2F2) is exposed to UV radiation (wavelength in the range of 10 nm to 400 nm, a bit shorter than visible light), a chlorine atom breaks off from the rest of the molecule. Prove that this is possible by calculating the maximum wavelength (in meters) capable of breaking the C-Cl bond.

Data: Average bond energies (KJ/mol)

Single bond multiple bonds
H-H 435 C=C 610
F-F 155 C(TRIPLE BOND)C 836
Cl-Cl 242
C-C 347

Question

Chlorofluorocarbons (CFC's) are organic compounds that have been implicated in ozone depletion. When the CFC known as Freon 12 (CCl2F2) is exposed to UV radiation (wavelength in the range of 10 nm to 400 nm, a bit shorter than visible light), a chlorine atom breaks off from the rest of the molecule. Prove that this is possible by calculating the maximum wavelength (in meters) capable of breaking the C-Cl bond.

Data: Average bond energies (KJ/mol)

Single bond         multiple bonds
H-H 435             C=C 610
F-F 155              C(TRIPLE BOND)C 836
Cl-Cl 242
C-C 347