Is Freon 22 gas lighter than the air?

Question

Some say it is heavier than the air, and some say it is lighter than the air. Which is true? If you are a chemistry major, your answer would be very appreciated.

what is the best way to remove freon gas from the attic where the ac guy leaked a significant amout of freon 22?

Will it go away over time?

Answer 1

With a molecular weight of 86.47 (see link), Freon 22 is heavier than air.
So, if it is heavier than, why does it go up to the altitude where the ozone is to destroy it, you could ask?
Because it is not kept separate from the air, it is mixed with it, in a solution. Same reason why salt, which is heavier than water, is present also at the surface water of the ocean; or that helium, much lighter than molecular nitrogen and oxygen, can still be found in the air at sea level (in small quantity, but still...) hence the freon can be present everywhere.

Answer 2

Is Freon Heavier Than Air

Answer 3

Freon 22 (Refrigerant 22, clourodiflouromethand) is about three times heavier than air according to the Material Safety Data Sheets I have checked.

Answer 4

R22 is heavier than air. It's chemical formula is chlorodiflouromethane. All three of the gasses are heavier than air. When it was allowed to let refrigerants loose into the atmosphere we had the occasion to fill some balloons with freon and then give them to small children to play with. Since they were used to balloons filled with air and these sank to the ground like a lead balloon is was comical and interesting to watch how the children adapted to the difference.

Answer 5

Heavier than air. It has a molecular weight of 86.5, roughly three times the weight of nitrogen (MW 28).