Trihalogenholdige

Trihalogenholdige, or trihalogenated compounds, are chemical substances that contain three halogen atoms—such as fluorine, chlorine, bromine, or iodine—either attached to a carbon framework in organic molecules or bound in inorganic structures. In organic chemistry, common examples are trihalomethanes like chloroform (CHCl3), bromoform (CHBr3), and iodoform (CHI3); other examples include 1,1,1-trichloroethane (C2H3Cl3) and related trihaloalkanes.

Trihalogenated compounds encompass a range of structures, from simple halomethanes to more complex organohalogens. They are often characterized by relatively low polarity and variable volatility, with properties determined by the specific halogens and the carbon skeleton. They are used in industrial processes as solvents, reagents, or intermediates in organic synthesis. A notable subset, the trihalomethanes, is also formed as disinfection byproducts when chlorine or bromine is used to treat water containing natural organic matter.

Health and environmental considerations are important for many trihalogenholdige. Some compounds, including certain trihalomethanes, are toxic and are scrutinized for carcinogenic or other adverse effects. Drinking-water regulations commonly address exposure to disinfection byproducts and set limits to minimize risk while maintaining effective disinfection. Environmental persistence and potential bioaccumulation vary among compounds in this class.

Production can be intentional, through chemical synthesis, or incidental, through halogenation reactions during industrial processes or water treatment.