An organic compound containing hydrogen, carbon, and chlorine atoms, such as the chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) once used in refrigerators and aerosols.
From chloro- 'containing chlorine' + hydrocarbon 'compound of hydrogen and carbon'. This term became prominent in the 1950s-1970s as these chemicals were mass-produced.
Chlorohydrocarbons seemed like miracle chemicals in the 20th century—they were non-toxic, non-flammable, and perfect for refrigeration—until scientists discovered in the 1970s that they were destroying the ozone layer, making them a perfect example of how technological progress can have devastating unintended consequences.
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