Zeotropic mixtures that are used in refrigeration are assigned a number in the 400 series to help identify its component and their proportions as a part of nomenclature. Whereas for azeotropic mixtures they are assigned a number in the 500 series. According to ASHRAE, refrigerants names start with R followed by a series of numbers—400 series if it is zeotropic or 500 if it is azeotropic—followed by uppercase letters that denote the composition.
Research has proposed using zeotropic mixtures as substitutes to halogenated refrigerants due to the harmful effects that hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFC) and chlorofluorocarbons (CFC) have on the ozone layer and global warming. Researchers have focused on using new mixtures that have the same properties as past refrigerants to phase out harmful halogenated substances, in accordance to the Montreal Protocol and Kyoto Protocol. For example, researchers found that zeotropic mixture R-404A can replace R-12, a CFC, in household refrigerators. However, there are some technical difficulties for using zeotropic mixtures. This includes leakages, as well as the high temperature glide associated with substances of different boiling points, though the temperature glide can be matched to the temperature difference between the two refrigerants when exchanging heat to increase efficiency.  Replacing pure refrigerants with mixtures calls for more research on the environmental impact as well as the flammability and safety of refrigerant mixtures.