Chemistry Reference
In-Depth Information
PARAFFINS: CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
C
HLORINATION
C
n
H
2
n
+2
+
Cl
2
C
n
H
2
n
+1
Cl
+
HCl
Chlorocarbons from Methane, CH
4
Name
Use
Boiling Point
CH
3
Cl
Methyl chloride
Refrigerant
−
24
°
C (
−
15
°
F)
CH
2
Cl
2
Methylene chloride
Paint stripper
45
°
C (104
°
F)
CHCl
3
Chloroform
Chem. intermed.
61
°
C (142
°
F)
CCl
4
Carbon tetrachloride Chem. intermed.
77
°
C (175
°
F)
Paraffins react with chlorine under the influence of light, heat, or catalysts
to form chlorocarbons. The chlorocarbons are important in industry because
of their own properties and because of their use as chemical intermediates
in the synthesis of other compounds. Today, many of the chlorocarbons are
regulated by federal and state agencies to limit their use because of detri-
mental effects on health and the environment.
