Vetyhalidi

Vetyhalidi is a term used to describe hydrogen halides, which are binary compounds composed of hydrogen and a halogen element. The halogens are fluorine (F), chlorine (Cl), bromine (Br), iodine (I), and astatine (At). Therefore, the common vetyhalidi include hydrogen fluoride (HF), hydrogen chloride (HCl), hydrogen bromide (HBr), and hydrogen iodide (HI). Hydrogen astatide (HAt) is also a vetyhalide, though it is highly radioactive and less commonly studied.

In their pure, anhydrous form, vetyhalidi are typically gases at room temperature. However, they are all soluble in water, where they react to form hydrohalic acids. For example, hydrogen chloride dissolves in water to form hydrochloric acid. These acids are generally strong, meaning they dissociate readily into hydrogen ions (H+) and halide ions (X-) in aqueous solution.

The properties of vetyhalidi vary depending on the specific halogen. Hydrogen fluoride is unique in that it forms strong hydrogen bonds and is a weak acid in water, whereas the other common vetyhalidi form strong hydrohalic acids. Vetyhalidi have various industrial and laboratory applications. Hydrogen chloride, for instance, is used in the production of vinyl chloride, a precursor to PVC plastic, and in metal pickling. Hydrogen fluoride is crucial for the production of refrigerants and in uranium processing.