Would you expect the substance \(\mathrm{CFBr}_{3}\) to be effective in depleting the ozone layer, assuming that it is present in the stratosphere? Explain.

Ozone depletion in the stratosphere is primarily caused by the release of substances containing chlorine and bromine atoms, such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and halons. These substances undergo photodissociation reactions in the stratosphere, releasing Cl and Br radicals that react with ozone molecules (O3), leading to their breakdown into oxygen molecules (O2).

The given substance is CFBr3, a halogenated compound containing one carbon atom, one fluorine atom, and three bromine atoms. As it contains bromine atoms, it has the potential to release bromine radicals in the stratosphere, similar to known ozone-depleting substances such as halons.

When CFBr3 reaches the stratosphere, it can undergo photodissociation due to the absorption of UV radiation. In this process, the molecule loses a bromine atom, creating a bromine free radical (Br•) and a residual molecule (CFBr2). The reaction can be written as: CFBr3 + UV → Br• + CFBr2 Since the bromine radical has been released, it can now participate in ozone depletion reactions.

Each bromine radical (Br•) released from the photodissociation of CFBr3 can interact with an ozone molecule, breaking it into a bromine monoxide radical (BrO•) and an oxygen molecule (O2): Br• + O3 → BrO• + O2 Bromine monoxide (BrO•) can then react with another ozone molecule, resulting in the breakdown of the second ozone and regeneration of bromine radical: BrO• + O3 → Br• + 2 O2 This cycle continues, depleting ozone molecules in the stratosphere. #Conclusion# Based on the chemical structure of CFBr3, its potential for photodissociation in the stratosphere, and the resulting release of bromine radicals, we can conclude that \(\mathrm{CFBr}_{3}\) would be effective in depleting the ozone layer if present in the stratosphere. It is thus important to monitor and control emissions of such substances to protect the ozone layer and reduce harmful UV radiation's impact on Earth's surface.