Chlorodifluoromethane (CFC-22 or R-22) is a colorless, odorless gas belonging to the family of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). It was used as a refrigerant in air conditioning and refrigeration systems due to its ability to absorb and release heat efficiently.
However, it was later discovered that CFCs were harmful to the environment. For instance, releasing this gas into the air can deplete the ozone layer, thereby exposing the environment to UV radiation.
Hence, nowadays, alternative refrigerants like hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs like 1,1,1,2-Tetrafluoroethane) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) are used in newer window AC units. These refrigerants are not fluorophores, but they do contain fluorine atoms, which give them their unique properties.