Trifluoroethane molecule, computer model. This hydrofluorocarbon molecule is an odourless and colourless gas at room temperature. It is used industrially as a refrigerant and propellant. Unlike other chemicals often used for this purpose it does not have ozone depleting properties. However, it does act as a greenhouse gas and so its release into the atmosphere does contribute to climate change. Atoms are represented as spheres and are colour-coded: carbon (grey), hydrogen (white) and fluorine (green).