Final answer:
HFC refrigerants are composed of Hydrogen, Fluorine, and Carbon. They emerged as replacements for CFCs, which harm the ozone layer because CFCs contain chlorine, unlike HFCs.
Step-by-step explanation:
HFC refrigerants contain Hydrogen, Fluorine, and Carbon. Unlike Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), which contain chlorine, HFCs do not contain chlorine atoms. This distinction is important, as chlorine atoms are harmful to the ozone layer. After the phasedown of CFCs under the Montreal Protocol due to their ozone-depleting characteristics, HFCs emerged as one of the preferred replacements. An example is HFC-134a (CF3-CH2F), a hydrofluorocarbon that does not deplete the ozone layer and thus represents a more environmentally friendly option. The correct answer to your question, therefore, is d) Hydrogen, Fluorine, & Carbon.