Halide — Definition, Formula, Properties & Uses | AllChemicals | AllChemicals

Q: What is the formula for Halide?

The formula or notation for Halide is: X⁻ (e.g., F⁻, Cl⁻, Br⁻, I⁻)

Formula / Notation	X⁻ (e.g., F⁻, Cl⁻, Br⁻, I⁻)
Also Known As	Halide ion, X⁻, metal halide, organic halide, hydrogen halide

What is Halide?

A binary compound formed between a halogen (F, Cl, Br, I, or At) and another element. Metal halides are typically ionic (e.g., NaCl, CaBr₂). Hydrogen halides (HF, HCl, HBr, HI) dissolve in water to form acids. Halides have important industrial and biological roles.

Formula & Notation

X⁻ (e.g., F⁻, Cl⁻, Br⁻, I⁻)

Other Names / Synonyms: Halide ion, X⁻, metal halide, organic halide, hydrogen halide

Properties & Characteristics

Halides are binary compounds of a halogen (F, Cl, Br, I, At) with a less electronegative element. Ionic halides (NaCl, CaF₂, KBr) form when metals react with halogens; covalent halides (PCl₅, CF₄, CCl₄) form between nonmetals. Metal halides range from ionic to covalent depending on metal electronegativity and charge. Fluorides and chlorides tend to be more ionic; iodides more covalent for a given metal. Halide ions are good ligands in coordination chemistry.

Uses & Applications

Halides are used as: solvents (DCM, chloroform), refrigerants (Freons, now mostly phased out), fire suppressants (halons), pesticides (organochlorines), pharmaceuticals (fluorinated drugs for metabolic stability), and industrial chemicals (PVC from vinyl chloride, polytetrafluoroethylene PTFE from TFE).

Safety Information

Many halides are toxic: CCl₄ is hepatotoxic and carcinogenic; vinyl chloride causes angiosarcoma of the liver; organochlorine pesticides are persistent bioaccumulative toxins. HF is extremely corrosive (see fluoride entry). Halogenated solvents require fume hood use and proper disposal.

Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.

Key Facts

Term Halide

Formula X⁻ (e.g., F⁻, Cl⁻, Br⁻, I⁻)

Index All "H" terms

Synonyms Halide ion, X⁻, metal halide, organic halide, hydrogen halide

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Halide?

A binary compound formed between a halogen (F, Cl, Br, I, or At) and another element. Metal halides are typically ionic (e.g., NaCl, CaBr₂). Hydrogen halides (HF, HCl, HBr, HI) dissolve in water to form acids. Halides have important industrial and biological roles.

What is Halide used for?

Is Halide hazardous?

What is the formula for Halide?

More "H" Terms

Haber Process N₂ + 3H₂ ⇌ 2NH₃ | ΔH = −92 kJ/mol Hafnium Hf Half Cell Half Life Half-Cell E = E° − (RT/nF)lnQ Half-Life A(t) = A₀e^(−λt); t½ = ln2/λ Half-Reaction Halogen F₂, Cl₂, Br₂, I₂, At; Group 17; ns²np⁵ valence configuration Halogenation C-X + Cl₂/Br₂ (hv or AlCl₃) → C-X(halogen); EAS or radical pathway Halogens Hard Acid Hard acid: small, highly charged, low polarisability (e.g., H⁺, Mg²⁺, Al³⁺) Hard Base Hard base: high EN, low polarisability (e.g., F⁻, OH⁻, NH₃, H₂O)

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