What is 142b?

142b is a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) that has been used as a refrigerant and as a blowing agent in the production of foam insulation. It is a colorless, non-flammable gas with a boiling point of -9.2°C and a molecular weight of 100.5 g/mol. 142b has a high global warming potential (GWP) of 1810 and is therefore being phased out as a result of international agreements such as the Montreal Protocol and the Kigali Amendment to reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases. Alternatives to 142b include hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs) and other low-GWP refrigerants and blowing agents.