--%>

Explain polyhalogen compounds with examples.

Carbon compounds containing more than one halogen atom are called polyhalogen compounds. Most of these compounds are valuable in industry and agriculture. Some important polyhalogen compounds are described as follows:

    
Dichloromethane or methylene chloride, CH3Cl2

Dichloromethane is prepared industrially by direct chlorination of methane. The mixture of CH3Cl, CH2Cl2, CHCl2 and CCl4 so obtained is separated by fractional distillation.

Properties

Dichloromethane is a sweet smelling volatile liquid and its boiling point is 313 K.

Dichloromethane harms the human central nervous system. Exposure to lower levels of dichloromethane in air can lead to slightly impaired hearing and vision. Higher levels of dichloromethane in air can cause dizziness, nauses and numbness in the fingers and toes. Direct skin contact with methylene chloride causes strong burning and mild redness to the skin. Direct contact with eyes can burn cornea.

Uses
    
Because of its low boiling point and low inflammability it is used as extraction solvent in pharmaceutical and food industries. It is also used as solvent for carrying out many organic reactions in research laboratories.
    
It is used as a metal finishing and cleaning solvent.
    
It is also used as a propellent in aerosols.
    
Trichloromethane (Chloroform), CHCl3 

Preparation
    
From methane: chloroform is manufactured by chlorination of methane in the presence of light or catalysts.
1278_polyhalogen compounds.png                                     


The mixture of CH3Cl, CH2Cl2, CHCl3 and CCl4 can be separated by fractional distillation.
    
From chloral hydrate, pure chloroform can be obtained by distilling chloral or chloral hydrate with concentrated aqueous solution or KOH solution.
                    
NaOH + CCl3CHO  1950_electrode potential.png  HCOONa + CHCl2
             
NaOH + CCl3CH(OH)2  1950_electrode potential.png  HCOOna + CHCl3 + H2O

    
Laboratory method: in this method chloroform is obtained from ethanol or acetone by reaction with a paste of bleaching powder and water.

In this reaction, bleaching powder serves as a source of chlorine which first oxidizes ethanol acetaldehyte, which is then further chlorinated to chloral. Chloral reacts with Ca(OH)2, given by CaOCl2, to give chloroform and calcium formate.

   Related Questions in Chemistry

  • Q : Molality of Sulfuric acid Choose the

    Choose the right answer from following. The molality of 90% H2SO4 solution is: [density=1.8 gm/ml]  (a)1.8 (b) 48.4 (c) 9.18 (d) 94.6

  • Q : Question based on vapour pressure While

    While a substance is dissolved in a solvent, the vapour pressure of the solvent is decreased. This results in: (a) An increase in the boiling point of the solution (b) A decrease in the boiling point of solvent (c) The solution having a higher freezing point than

  • Q : Determining of normality of sodium

    Can someone please help me in getting through this problem. The normality of a solution of sodium hydroxide 100 ml of which includes 4 grams of NaOH is: (a) 0.1 (b) 40 (c) 1.0 (d) 0.4

  • Q : Define Bond Energies - Bond Charges

    Energy changes in some chemical reactions can be used to deduce the energies of chemical bonds. Our understanding of the molecular basis of thermodynamic properties is extended when we ask why the enthalpy change for a reaction is what it is. We deduce,

  • Q : Forms a molecule to an organic molecule

    Briefly state what forms a molecule to an organic molecule?

  • Q : What is chemisorption or chemical

    When the forces of attraction existing between adsorbate particles and adsorbent almost of the same strength as chemical bonds, the adsorption is called chemical adsorption. This type of adsorption is also known as chemisorptions. Since forces of attraction existing b

  • Q : Coagulation what is the meaning of

    what is the meaning of fourth power of valency of an active ion?

  • Q : Depression in the freezing point When

    When 0.01 mole of sugar is dissolved in 100g of a solvent, the depression in freezing point is 0.40o. When 0.03 mole of glucose is dissolved in 50g of the same solvent, depression in the freezing point will be:(a) 0.60o  (b) 0.80o

  • Q : Explain group 15 elements. The various

    The various elements

  • Q : Explain preparation and properties of

    It may be prepared by the action of phosphorus on thionyl chloride.P4 + 8SOCl2    4