Halogeenühenditel

Halogeenühendid is the Estonian term for halogenated compounds. These are chemical compounds in which one or more halogen atoms (fluorine, chlorine, bromine, or iodine) are covalently bonded to a carbon atom. They form a large and diverse class of organic and inorganic substances with a wide range of applications.

In organic chemistry, halogenated hydrocarbons, such as chloromethane, chloroform, and carbon tetrachloride, have historically been used as solvents, refrigerants, and propellants. However, due to environmental concerns, many of these applications have been phased out or restricted. Newer generations of halogenated compounds, like hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs), are being developed with lower global warming potentials. Halogenated organic compounds are also crucial intermediates in the synthesis of many pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and polymers. For example, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a widely used plastic derived from a halogenated monomer.

Inorganic halogenated compounds include substances like sodium chloride (table salt), which contains chlorine, and hydrogen fluoride, a highly reactive compound. Metal halides, such as iron(III) chloride, find use in various industrial processes, including water treatment and catalysis. The presence and type of halogen atom significantly influence the physical and chemical properties of a compound, affecting its reactivity, polarity, and biological activity.