carbonchlorine

Carbonchlorine is not a formal chemical name; it is sometimes used to refer to compounds containing a carbon–chlorine bond, collectively known as organochlorines. The term generally denotes the class of chemicals that feature C–Cl bonds rather than a single specific molecule.

The C–Cl bond is polar, and organochlorines span a broad range of structures, from simple chloromethanes to substituted aromatics. They are typically less reactive than many other carbon–halogen bonds but can participate in substitutions, eliminations, and cross-coupling reactions in organic synthesis.

Representative members include chloromethane (CH3Cl), dichloromethane (CH2Cl2), chloroform (CHCl3), carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), chlorobenzene (C6H5Cl), and more complex polychlorinated hydrocarbons such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). The family also encompasses various natural and anthropogenic chlorinated compounds found in the environment.

Applications and production: Many chlorinated compounds are produced by direct chlorination of hydrocarbons or by converting alcohols to chlorides. They are used as solvents, intermediates in chemical synthesis, refrigerants and pesticides, though regulatory measures limit or ban many due to toxicity and persistence.

Safety and environmental impact: Because many organochlorines are persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic, their production and use are regulated. Some, like carbon tetrachloride, are hepatotoxic and ozone-depleting, prompting efforts to replace or restrict their use.