A review of major chlorofluorocarbons and their halocarbon alternatives in the air

► To regulate the emissions of halocarbons, their environmental behavior needs to be assessed. ► We discuss an overview of their production and emission trends along with the ozone depletion. ► We also cover the chemistry regulating their removal processes and their distribution patterns. ► We also attempted to elucidate the basic factors underlying interim replacement compounds. ► The problems associated with these alternatives are evaluated for their roles in global chemistry.