Organohalides, sometimes referred to as halocarbons, are organic compounds that have one or more atoms of a halogen (such as iodine, bromine, chlorine, or fluorine) bound to an atom of carbon. These substances are important for organic chemistry, medicine, and many other industrial uses. Alkyl halides, vinyl halides, and aryl halides are the three primary forms of organohalides that have a halogen-carbon link. Alkyl halides are substances in which a saturated carbon atom and the halogen are directly bound. Based on how many carbon atoms are bound to the carbon carrying the halogen, they can be further divided into primary, secondary, or tertiary categories. In organic synthesis, alkyl halides are frequently employed as starting materials for a variety of reactions, including elimination and nucleophilic substitution reactions. A halogen atom is joined to a carbon-carbon double bond in vinyl halides. These substances play a significant role in the manufacture of polymers, including polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which is widely utilized in the manufacturing of cables, pipelines, and other building supplies. In contrast, a halogen atom is immediately linked to an aromatic ring in aryl halides. They are essential to the synthesis of agrochemicals and medicines. The compound's reactivity and other characteristics may be affected by the halogen substituent on the aromatic ring. Organohalides are prepared using a variety of techniques, such as halogenation processes, in which a halogen atom is substituted for a hydrogen atom. Iodine, bromine, and chlorine are common halogenating agents. Catalysts or heat are also sometimes used to speed up the process. Moreover, alcohols and hydrogen halides can react to produce organohalides, as can the use of phosphorus halides in substitution reactions. Organohalides are widely used in industry, but because of their toxicity and endurance, their use has sparked environmental concerns. Certain organohalides are known to function as greenhouse gases or to contribute to the ozone hole. As a result, research into more ecologically friendly substitutes and processes for the manufacture and application of these substances is still ongoing.
