Organic halide
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An organic halide is an organic compound containing one or more halogen atoms. Many synthetic organic compounds such as plastic polymers, and a few natural ones, contain halogen atoms; they are known as halogenated compounds. Chlorine is by far the most abundant of the halogens, and the only one needed in relatively large amounts (as chloride ions) by humans. For example, chloride ions play a key role in brain function by mediating the action of the inhibitory transmitter GABA and are also used by the body to produce stomach acid. Iodine is needed in trace amounts for the production of thyroid hormones such as thyroxine. On the other hand, neither fluorine nor bromine are believed to be really essential for humans, although small amounts of fluoride does make teeth enamel somewhat more resistant to attack.
A key class of organic halides are the haloalkanes, which are halogen containing alkanes. Examples include methane or ethane, with one or more halogens linked, such as chlorine or fluorine. They are known under many chemical and trivial names such as fluorocarbons, chlorocarbons, and chlorofluorocarbons (CFC), etc. They have or had wide use as fire extinguishers, refrigerants, propellants, and solvents. Some haloalkanes have negative effects on the environment, such as ozone depletion.
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[edit] References
- B. S. Furnell et al., Vogel's Textbook of Practical Organic Chemistry, 5th edition, Longman/Wiley, New York, 1989.
