Information about refrigerant R1234yf
R1234yf (2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene) is a modern HFO refrigerant (hydrofluoroolefin) developed specifically to replace R134a in automotive air conditioning systems.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
- Status
- Virgin
- GWP
- 4
- ODP
- 0
- SAFETY CLASS
- A2L
- UN-NUMBER
- UN 3161
- PACKAGE SIZES
- 12,5 · 61 · 950 L
- COMPOSITION
- 100 % R1234yf (2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene)
Refrigerant R1234yf overview
Its GWP is below 1 (compared to R134a with a GWP of 1,430), but its use is associated with potential PFAS-related risks (so-called “forever chemicals”). While it is more climate-friendly than its predecessor, it has become a topic of environmental debate due to its chemical structure and degradation byproducts (TFA).
Typical applications of R1234yf:
Automotive air conditioning (MAC), which is its primary application. Nearly all new passenger cars and light commercial vehicles type-approved in Europe since 2017 use R1234yf as the refrigerant.
In addition to TFA-related concerns, potential risks include mild flammability (A2L classification) and relatively high cost.
Additional information
2025–2029: Virgin refrigerants >2500 GWP are banned. Only reclaimed/recycled >2500 GWP allowed (new appliances). Reclaimed refrigerants with GWP <2500 can still be used for servicing and maintenance after 2032.
Differences in refrigerants
| Refrigerant | Status | GWP | ODP | Safety Class | UN Number | Composition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| R134a | Reclaimed | 1430 | 0 | A1 | UN 3159 | 100 % R134a (1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane) |
| R32 | Reclaimed | 677 | 0 | A2L | UN 3252 | 100 % R32 (difluoromethane) |
| R404A | Reclaimed | 3922 | 0 | A1 | UN 3337 | R134a 4 %; R125 44 %; R143a 52 % |
| R407C | Reclaimed | 1774 | 0 | A1 | UN 3340 | R32 23 %; R125 44 %; R134a 52 % |
| R410A | Reclaimed | 2088 | 0 | A1 | UN 3163 | R32 50 %; R125 50 % |
| R449A | Virgin | 1397 | 0 | A1 | UN 1078 | R32 24.3 %; R125 24.7 %; R134a 25.7 %; R1234yf 25.3 % |
| R448A | Virgin | 1387 | 0 | A1 | UN 3163 | R32 26 %; R125 26 %; R134a 21 %; R1234yf 20 %; R1234ze 7 % |
| R1234yf | Virgin | 4 | 0 | A2L | UN 3161 | 100 % R1234yf (2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene) |
| R1234ze | Virgin | 7 | 0 | A2L | UN 3161 | 100 % R1234ze (trans-1,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene) |
| R452A | Virgin | 2140 | 0 | A1 | UN 1078 | R32 11 %; R125 59 %; R1234yf 30 % |
| R513A | Virgin | 573 | 0 | A1 | UN 3163 | R134a 44 %; R1234yf 56 % |
| R454B | Virgin | 466 | 0 | A2L | UN 3161 | R32 68.9 %; R1234yf 31.1 % |
| R455A | Virgin | 146 | 0 | A2L | UN 3161 | R32 21.5 %; R1234yf 75.5 %; R744 (COâ‚‚) 3 % |
Explore these topics
Dive deeper into refrigerant circular economy, free waste management, and the upcoming F-gas regulation.
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Free waste management
Collection, transport, and proper handling at no cost. F-gases returned to circulation as reclaimed refrigerants.
F-gas regulation 2026
What the tightening EU F-gas regulation means for the use and procurement of refrigerants.
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