Bromochlorodifluoromethane, also known by the trade name Halon 1211, or BCF, or Halon 1211 BCF, or Freon 12B1, is a haloalkane with the chemical formula is CF₂ClBr.

It was first introduced during World War II as fire extinguisher for tanks. Within such small confinement, it is important that the single fire spark would not react with the extinguisher to explosion effect. It was introduced as an effective gaseous fire suppression agent in the 1960s for use around highly valuable materials in places such as museums, mainframe rooms, and telecommunication switching centers. The production of bromochlorodifluoromethane and similar chlorofluorocarbons has been banned in most countries since January 1, 1994 as part of the Montreal Protocol on ozone depleting substances.

This is a volatile extinguishant that should be used only with a breathing apparatus (when volume exceeds 5%).

See also

• Halon 1301
• Fire extinguisher
• Halon Ozone Depleting Potential

External links

Organohalides | Fire suppression agents | Greenhouse gases