A lower yield results if HCFC-132a (1,1-Dichloro-2,2-difluoroethane) is used: When trying to make HFC-134a from HCFC-133a, some HCFO-1122 is produced as a side product by way of dehydrofluorination.

The two fluorine atoms can be distinguished by whether one is closer to hydrogen or chlorine F(H) or F(Cl).

[5] The lifetime in Earth's atmosphere is only 10 to 30 days mitigating the effect of pollution.

[9] When irradiated by ultraviolet light at 192 nm, 2-Chloro-1,1-difluoroethene splits off hydrogen chloride to make a carbene: (difluorovinylidene) CF2=CHCl → CF2=C: + HCl.

Fluoridation can occur with HF with a chromium trioxide catalyst, producing CF3CH2Cl.

[16] Trichlorosilane reacts by adding across the double bond, mostly yielding trichloro-(2,2-difluoroethyl)silane.