fluorocarbons /flo͝or′ōkär″bəns/ [L, fluere, to flow, carbo, coal] , hydrocarbons where some or all of the hydrogens are replaced by fluorine. Fluorocarbons are generally colorless, nonflammable gases, but some are liquids at room temperature. The compounds can produce mild upper respiratory tract irritation, and excessive exposure has been cited as a cause of central nervous system depression.
