Chloroalkanes are organic compounds that consist of carbon, hydrogen, and chlorine atoms. They are derived from alkanes, where one or more hydrogen atoms are replaced by chlorine atoms. Chloroalkanes can be classified as primary, secondary, or tertiary based on the carbon atom to which the chlorine is attached. These compounds are commonly used as solvents, refrigerants, and in the production of other chemicals. Some chloroalkanes, like chloroform and dichloromethane, are important in laboratories, while others have been phased out due to their harmful effects on the environment and human health, particularly their role in ozone depletion.