Definition

Noun 1. A type of organic compound: A haloform is any chemical compound with the molecular formula CHX₃, where X represents a halogen atom (fluorine, chlorine, bromine, or iodine). These compounds are derivatives of methane (CH₄) where three hydrogen atoms have been replaced by halogen atoms.

Usage Examples

• General Use:
  • Chloroform (CHCl₃) is the most well-known haloform.
  • The haloform reaction is a chemical process that produces these compounds.
  • Iodoform (CHI₃) is a haloform known for its distinctive antiseptic smell.

Advanced Usage

• The Haloform Reaction: This is a specific organic chemical reaction where a methyl ketone (a molecule with the structure R-CO-CH₃) is treated with a halogen and a base, resulting in the production of a haloform and a carboxylate salt. This reaction is a classic test for the presence of a methyl ketone group.
  • Example: Acetone undergoes the haloform reaction with sodium hypochlorite to produce chloroform.

Variants and Related Words

• Specific Haloforms: These are individual compounds named by the specific halogen present.
  • Chloroform (CHCl₃): A volatile liquid once widely used as an anesthetic.
  • Bromoform (CHBr₃): A dense liquid used in geology and formerly in fire extinguishers.
  • Iodoform (CHI₃): A yellow crystalline solid with antiseptic properties.
  • Fluoroform (CHF₃): A gas used in specialty refrigeration and as a fire suppressant.

Synonyms

• Trihalomethane: This is a more systematic chemical name for a haloform, explicitly stating the compound contains one carbon, one hydrogen, and three halogen atoms.

Notes on Different Meanings

The term "haloform" is highly specific to the field of chemistry. It does not have common idiomatic, phrasal, or figurative meanings outside this technical context. Its usage is almost exclusively related to describing this class of chemical compounds or the reaction that produces them.

Noun

1. compounds with the formula CHX3, where X is a halogen atom