Tetrahalomethane
Tetrahalomethanes are fully halogenated methane derivatives of general formula CFkCllBrmInAtp, where:
Tetrahalomethanes are on the border of
IUPAC: tetrafluoromethane - carbon tetrafluoride, tetraiodomethane - carbon tetraiodide, dichlorodifluoromethane - carbon dichloride difluoride
.
Each halogen (F, Cl, Br, I, At) forms a corresponding halomethane, but their stability decreases in order CF4 > CCl4 > CBr4 > CI4 from exceptionally stable gaseous
tetraiodomethane, depending on bond energy
.
Many mixed halomethanes are also known, such as CBrClF2.
Uses
Fluorine, chlorine, and sometimes bromine-substituted halomethanes were used as
CFCs
(chlorofluorocarbons).