organic compound in which halogen atoms have been substituted for hydrogen atoms in an alkane

A member of a family of chemical compounds which have been used as coolants in refrigerators, air conditioners, propellants in aerosol cans, and have been linked to ozone depletion and global warming.

The haloalkanes (also known as halogenoalkanes) are a group of chemical compounds, consisting of alkanes, such as methane or ethane, with one or more halogens linked, such as chlorine or fluorine, making them a type of organic halide. They are known under many chemical and commercial names. As fire extinguishants, propellants and solvents they have or had wide use.