Halogenated Alkanes
Halogenated alkanes are organic compounds that contain carbon and hydrogen atoms, along with one or more halogen atoms, such as fluorine, chlorine, bromine, or iodine. These compounds are derived from alkanes, which are saturated hydrocarbons, by replacing hydrogen atoms with halogen atoms. They are commonly used in various applications, including solvents, refrigerants, and as intermediates in chemical synthesis.
The presence of halogen atoms in these compounds often alters their physical and chemical properties, making them more reactive than their parent alkanes. Halogenated alkanes can be found in many everyday products, such as cleaning agents and pesticides, but some are also known to have environmental and health concerns, particularly those that are persistent in the environment.