Halogenation: Introduction of Halogen Atoms into Molecules

Halogenation is a chemical reaction in which a halogen (such as chlorine, bromine, or iodine) is added to a molecule. This can result in the formation of a new compound that contains the halogen atom.

Halogenation reactions are commonly used in organic chemistry to introduce a halogen atom into a molecule for various purposes, such as:

1. To provide a source of electrons to stabilize a positive charge on another atom.
2. To form a covalent bond with another atom, such as carbon or nitrogen.
3. To introduce a halogen atom into a ring structure.
4. To modify the physical and chemical properties of a molecule.

Examples of halogenated compounds include:

1. Chloroform (CHCl3), which is a common solvent.
2. Bromobenzene (C6H5Br), which is an aromatic compound with a bromine atom substituted for a hydrogen atom.
3. Iodide salts (such as NaI), which are used in medical imaging and other applications.
4. Fluoropolymers, such as Teflon, which are made from fluorinated monomers.

Overall, halogenation is an important reaction in organic chemistry that allows chemists to introduce halogen atoms into molecules for a variety of purposes.