Infrared absorption cross section, radiative forcing, and GWP of four hydrofluoro(poly)ethers

Quantitative infrared cross-sections of the unbranched hydrofluoro(poly)ethers CHF2OCHF2, CHF2OCF2OCHF2 and CHF2OCF2CF2OCHF2 have been obtained at 298 K in the region 25–4000 cm−1. Radiative forcing calculations have been performed for these compounds and for CHF2OCF2OCF2CF2OCHF2, and the values found per molecule are high compared to those of other CFCs and CFC replacements. Atmospheric lifetimes, calculated on the basis of experimental reaction rates with OH radicals, and global warming potentials are presented for all four compounds.