Sebastian Duncan 12KPR

Halogenoalkanes
What are they?
Halogenoalkanes are compounds in which one or more hydrogen atoms in an alkane have
been replaced by halogen atoms (fluorine, chlorine, bromine or iodine). Just like alcohols
they can be classified as primary, secondary and tertiary. They also work in the same way so
if the adjacent carbon to the halogen has 2 hydrogen ions on then it is a primary
halogenoalkane. If the adjacent carbon has one hydrogen ion on it then it is secondary
halogenoalkane and if there are no hydrogen ions then it is tertiary halogenoalkanes.
Their Uses
1. Refrigerants
2. Propellants for Aerosols
3. Generating Foamed Plastics
4. Solvents for Dry Cleaning
5. General Degreasing Purposes
6. Fire Retardant
In Depth Uses
Refrigerants- Freon 12 CF
2
Cl
2
is a refrigerant and an example of a chlorofluorcarbon (CFC).
The C-F and C-Cl bonds are very strong. The result is that it does not decompose easily so
lasts for the lifetime of a refrigerator. It does not decompose quickly when discarded but
does so in the upper atmosphere. The radicals it forms react with ozone. The loss of ozone
leads to an increase in UV radiation reaching the Earth's surface and a corresponding
increase in skin cancers in humans. Modern refrigerants are hydrofluorocarbons, HFCs, such
CF
3
CH
2
F. They do not lead to ozone depletion.
Problems
Surrounding the Earth, in the upper atmosphere, is a layer of ozone gas (O
3
). This absorbs
short wavelength ultraviolent light very strongly, protecting life at the surface from its
harmful effects. Without this layer there would be more cases of skin cancer and eye
cataracts. Because of their unreactivity, chlorofluorocarbons released into the atmosphere
don't decay, and find their way eventually into the upper atmosphere. when they reach the
ozone layer, two reactions happen.
The first (Under UV light) - CCl
2
F
2
--> CClF
2
+ Cl
The second overall - 2O
3
--> 3O
2

This decreases ozone concentrations in the ozone layer and causes ozone holes which cause
more sun's rays to enter which leads to an increase in global warming.