3-17. HALOGENATED HYDROCARBONS
Halogenated hydrocarbons are compounds with the general formula R-X where
R is any hydrocarbon group and X is a halogen (Cl, Br, F or I). The most significant
property of halogenated hydrocarbons is that as you increase the number of halogens
on the compound, the flammability of the compound decreases. This property has
been used to produce ethers that are nonflammable to be used as general anesthetics
such as:
F Cl
H
l l
l
Methoxyflurane (Penthrane)
HCCOCH
l l
l
F Cl
H
3-18. SUMMARY
Functional groups, when attached to various hydrocarbons, increase the
reactivity and water solubility of the hydrocarbon. Carboxylic acids and phenols are
the only organic acids; they are weak acids. Amines are the only significant organic
bases. All functional groups that contain a hydrogen connected to a nitrogen or
oxygen atom have the ability to form hydrogen bonds between themselves. All
functional groups that contain a nitrogen or oxygen atom can form hydrogen bonds
with water, which increase their solubility. In general, organic compounds of low
molecular weight (less than five carbons) which contain functional groups, are soluble
in water. Table 3-3 summarizes the properties and some reactions of the organic
compounds we have studied.
3-18
MD0803