Desflurane is a non-flammable liquid administered via vaporizer as a general anesthetic. It is halogenated exclusively with fluorine and is very resistant to defluorination. For this reason, it is not associated with nephrotoxicity, as is the case with other inhalational anesthetics. Desflurane is indicated for the induction and/or maintenance of anesthesia and adults, and for maintenance of anesthesia in pediatric patients following the induction with other agents.

Isoflurane (1-chloro-2, 2,2-trifluoroethyl difluoromethyl ether) a nonflammable liquid administered by vaporizing, is a general inhalation anesthetic drug. Isoflurane is a clear, colorless, stable liquid containing no additives or chemical stabilizers. Similar to many general anesthetics, the exact mechanism of the action has not been clearly delineated. Isoflurane reduces pain sensitivity (analgesia) and relaxes muscles. Isoflurane likely potentiates GABA-A and glycine receptor activity, which decreases motor function, inhibits receptor activity in the NMDA glutamate receptor subtypes and binds to glutamate receptors. Isoflurane is always administered in conjunction with air and/or pure oxygen. Often nitrous oxide is also used. Although its physical properties imply that anesthesia can be induced more rapidly than with halothane, its pungency can irritate the respiratory system, negating this theoretical advantage conferred by its physical properties. It is usually used to maintain a state of general anesthesia that has been induced with another drug, such as thiopentone or propofol.

Acetone (or propanone) is the smallest and simplest ketone, which is used in cosmetic as a nail polish remover. Acetone is produced within the body because of the breakdown of stored fats and lipids as a source of energy. Such conditions as physical exercise and prolonged dieting, which lead to cleavage of fat within the body, may result in higher than average amounts of acetone in the bloodstream. The concentration of acetone in the environment doesn’t cause a neurotoxic, carcinogenic, or reproductive health hazard effect. In addition, experiments on rodents have shown that acetone possesses anticonvulsant properties.

Dichlorofluoromethane is a colorless heavy gas that is used as a refrigerant, solvent, propellant and heat-exchange fluid. It is also referred to as CFC-21 but has fewer uses than other chlorofluorocarbons. Inhalation of dichlorofluoromethane can cause confusion, drowsiness, and unconsciousness; and direct contact with skin can cause frostbite.

Trichlorofluoromethane, also known as freon-11, was used as propellant and refrigerant. Its production was banned because of the destroying of the ozone layer and contribution to the formation of the so-called ozone hole. Today, trichlorofluoromethane is obtained during recycling processes of waste cooling devices, traded on the black market, and according to recent findings still illegally manufactured.