Cryptic crossword clue
For refrigeration, element often needed initially 5

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 5 letter word FREON

I've seen this crossword clue in The Daily Telegraph
F
R
E
O
N

Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "For refrigeration" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case for refrigeration = freon.
The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.
This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.

What does FREON mean?

FREON noun
  1. Any of several non-flammable refrigerants based on halogenated hydrocarbon including R-12, R-22, and R-23.
  2. (refrigeration) A gaseous ozone-depleting refrigerant
  3. (environmentalism) A chlorofluorocarbon

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