Halides are a group of chemical compounds formed when halogen elements, such as fluorine, chlorine, bromine, and iodine, bond with other elements, typically metals. These compounds are known for their ionic nature, where the halogen gains an electron, becoming negatively charged, while the metal loses an electron, becoming positively charged. This interaction creates a strong attraction between the two, resulting in the formation of stable halide salts, like sodium chloride (table salt). Halides play important roles in various applications, including in the production of fluorides for toothpaste and bromides in photography. They are also essential in industrial processes, such as the manufacture of chlorinated solvents and the synthesis of organic compounds.