Hydrocarbons, halogenated
Halogenated Hydrocarbons | |
---|---|
Identifiers | |
CAS Number | |
PubChem CID | |
ChemSpider ID | |
UNII | |
ChEBI | |
ChEMBL | |
Properties | |
Chemical Formula | |
Molar Mass | |
Appearance | |
Density | |
Melting Point | |
Boiling Point | |
Hazards | |
GHS Pictograms | [[File:|50px]] |
GHS Signal Word | |
GHS Hazard Statements | |
NFPA 704 | [[File:|50px]] |
References | |
Introduction[edit | edit source]
Halogenated hydrocarbons are a class of organic compounds that contain one or more halogen atoms (such as fluorine, chlorine, bromine, or iodine) bonded to carbon atoms. These compounds are derived from hydrocarbons by the substitution of hydrogen atoms with halogen atoms. They are widely used in industry and have significant applications in medicine, agriculture, and manufacturing.
Chemical Structure[edit | edit source]
The basic structure of halogenated hydrocarbons involves a carbon backbone with halogen atoms attached. The presence of halogens significantly alters the chemical properties of the original hydrocarbon. The general formula for a halogenated hydrocarbon can be represented as CₓHᵧXₙ, where X represents a halogen atom.
Types of Halogenated Hydrocarbons[edit | edit source]
Halogenated hydrocarbons can be classified based on the type and number of halogen atoms present:
- Monohalogenated Hydrocarbons: Contain a single halogen atom. Examples include chloroform (CHCl₃) and methyl chloride (CH₃Cl).
- Polyhalogenated Hydrocarbons: Contain multiple halogen atoms. Examples include carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) and dichlorodifluoromethane (CCl₂F₂).
Physical and Chemical Properties[edit | edit source]
Halogenated hydrocarbons exhibit a wide range of physical and chemical properties depending on the type and number of halogen atoms present. Generally, these compounds have higher boiling points and densities compared to their non-halogenated counterparts due to the increased molecular weight and intermolecular forces.
Reactivity[edit | edit source]
The reactivity of halogenated hydrocarbons is influenced by the type of halogen present. For instance, fluorinated hydrocarbons are generally less reactive due to the strength of the carbon-fluorine bond, whereas iodinated hydrocarbons are more reactive.
Applications[edit | edit source]
Halogenated hydrocarbons have diverse applications across various fields:
- Industrial Solvents: Compounds like trichloroethylene and perchloroethylene are used as solvents in the dry cleaning and degreasing industries.
- Refrigerants: Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) have been used as refrigerants, although their use is declining due to environmental concerns.
- Pharmaceuticals: Some halogenated hydrocarbons are used in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals and as anesthetics, such as halothane.
Environmental and Health Impacts[edit | edit source]
The use of halogenated hydrocarbons has raised environmental and health concerns. Many of these compounds are persistent in the environment and can contribute to ozone depletion and global warming.
Toxicity[edit | edit source]
Exposure to certain halogenated hydrocarbons can be toxic to humans and animals. For example, prolonged exposure to carbon tetrachloride can cause liver damage, and inhalation of chloroform can affect the central nervous system.
Regulation and Safety[edit | edit source]
Due to their environmental and health impacts, the production and use of many halogenated hydrocarbons are regulated by international agreements such as the Montreal Protocol. Safety measures include proper handling, storage, and disposal to minimize exposure and environmental release.
Conclusion[edit | edit source]
Halogenated hydrocarbons are a significant class of compounds with important industrial and medical applications. However, their potential environmental and health impacts necessitate careful management and regulation.
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD