What is a freon gas and it and disadvantages?

Freon is a brand name for a class of halocarbon compounds, primarily used as refrigerants in air conditioning and refrigeration systems. While effective at cooling, Freon gases, such as trichlorofluoromethane (CFC-11) and dichlorodifluoromethane (CFC-12), have significant environmental disadvantages, including depletion of the ozone layer and contribution to greenhouse gas emissions. Their use has been largely phased out under the Montreal Protocol due to these harmful effects, leading to a shift towards more environmentally friendly alternatives.