R-406A

{{short description|Type of refrigerant}}

R-406A is a refrigerant invented by George H. Goble.{{cn|date=February 2023}} It is a mixture of three components: chlorodifluoromethane (R-22), isobutane (R-600a), and 1-chloro-1,1-difluoroethane (R-142b) in the ratio 55/4/41.{{cite web | url = https://www.epa.gov/snap/compositions-refrigerant-blends | title = Compositions of Refrigerant Blends | publisher = U.S. Environmental Protection Agency | website = epa.gov | date = 18 November 2014 }}

This refrigerant was designed as a drop-in replacement for dichlorodifluoromethane (R-12) which is compatible with the typical mineral oil lubricants used in R-12 systems. Since it is a zeotropic mixture, it has a range of boiling points which may increase the effectiveness of the heat transfer elements in refrigeration equipment.

Because it contains R-22, its future is limited due to eventual phase-out of this refrigerant.