HCFC stands for Hydrochlorofluorocarbon, a group of chemicals used primarily as refrigerants and in foam production. They were developed as a less harmful alternative to CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons), which deplete the ozone layer. HCFCs contain hydrogen, making them less stable and less damaging to the ozone compared to CFCs. Despite being an improvement over CFCs, HCFCs still contribute to ozone depletion and have a global warming potential. As a result, international agreements like the Montreal Protocol aim to phase out HCFCs in favor of more environmentally friendly alternatives, such as HFCs (hydrofluorocarbons) and natural refrigerants.