ABSTRACT
When hydrogen atoms of the methane molecule are substituted with chlorine, a family of chemical compounds results commonly known as the chIoromethanes. Part or all of the hydrogen atoms can be substituted. If one hydrogen is replaced, methyl chloride (CH 3Cl) is the resulting compound; two hydrogen substitutions, methylene chloride (CHzClz); three, chloroform (CHCI 3); and if all four hydrogens are substituted, carbon tetrachloride
(CCI4 ) is the resulting compound. All of these chemicals have a family resemblance but are distinct individual products with their own differing properties.
