Halocarbon

Halocarbon

Halocarbon (pronunciation: /ˈheɪloʊˌkɑːrbən/) is a type of chemical compound that consists of carbon atoms bonded to halogen atoms. The term is often used to refer to any carbon-halogen compound, including those that contain additional elements.

Etymology

The term "halocarbon" is derived from the Greek words 'halos', meaning 'salt', and 'carbon', referring to the element carbon. This is because halocarbons were first identified as a type of salt due to their ionic nature.

Types of Halocarbons

There are several types of halocarbons, including:

• Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs): These are compounds that contain chlorine, fluorine, and carbon. They were widely used in the 20th century as refrigerants, aerosol propellants, and in air conditioning systems.

• Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs): These are similar to CFCs but also contain hydrogen. They are less damaging to the ozone layer than CFCs.

• Perfluorocarbons (PFCs): These are compounds in which all of the hydrogen atoms in a hydrocarbon have been replaced by fluorine atoms. They are used in a variety of industrial applications.

• Halons: These are compounds that contain bromine in addition to other halogens. They are used in fire suppression systems.

Environmental Impact

Many halocarbons have been found to have a significant impact on the environment. For example, CFCs and HCFCs are known to deplete the ozone layer, while PFCs and other halocarbons are potent greenhouse gases.

Related Terms

• Halogen
• Carbon
• Chlorofluorocarbons
• Hydrochlorofluorocarbons
• Perfluorocarbons
• Halons
• Ozone layer
• Greenhouse gases

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Halocarbon
• Wikipedia's article - Halocarbon

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