kloridit

Kloridit, or chlorides, are chemical compounds that contain chlorine, most commonly as chloride ions (Cl−) in inorganic chlorides or as carbon–chlorine bonds in organic chlorides. Inorganic chlorides include simple metal chlorides such as sodium chloride (NaCl), potassium chloride (KCl), and calcium chloride (CaCl2), as well as hydrogen chloride (HCl) gas and various metal chlorides in different oxidation states. Organic chlorides comprise compounds in which chlorine is bonded to carbon, including chloromethane (CH3Cl), dichloromethane (CH2Cl2), and vinyl chloride (CH2CHCl).

In terms of properties, many metal chlorides are ionic solids with high melting points and are soluble in water; some are hygroscopic. Organic chlorides vary widely in reactivity and volatility. Hydrolysis is common for many chlorides in water, and HCl forms a strong acid solution. Safety and handling depend on the subclass: inorganic chlorides can be corrosive in concentrated form, while some organochlorines are toxic, volatile, or environmentally persistent.

Occurrence and production: halite is the natural mineral form of NaCl, occurring in vast rock-salt deposits and in seawater. Industrially, chlorides are produced by methods such as the chlor-alkali process (electrolysis of brine to produce NaOH, Cl2, and NaCl regeneration) or by direct reaction of chlorine with metals or carbon-based substrates. Industrial chlorides are essential feedstocks for chemicals, metallurgy, and materials.

Uses: NaCl is widely used as a seasoning and preservative; CaCl2 and other chlorides serve as de-icers and desiccants. Chlorides are also key reagents in chemical synthesis and manufacturing, and organochlorides underpin numerous solvents, plastics, and specialty chemicals.

See also: halides, chlorine, chlorination.