How free chlorine in the atmosphere destroys ozone.
  • Chlorine from CFCs interacts with ozone (O[3]), forming chlorine monoxide (ClO) and O[2].
  • Two ClO molecules react, forming chlorine peroxide (Cl[2]O[2]).
  • Sunlight causes Cl[2]O[2] to break down into O[2] and free chlorine atoms. The chlorine atoms can begin the cycle again. The destruction of atmospheric ozone can lead to depletion of the ozone layer in the stratosphere.