Organic Halide

Because of their low chemical reactivity, alkyl chlorides are useful in dissolving other chemicals, greases, and oils. They are used as solvents for dry cleaning, removing oil from metal parts, and running chemical reactions. Methylene chloride (CH₂Cl₂) is an alkyl chloride with a low molecular weight that is used in many paint and varnish removers. It is also used as a solvent for removing caffeine from coffee. The well-known pesticide, DDT, is an aryl chloride that was first used in 1939 to kill the mosquitoes that transmitted malaria. This chemical was beneficial in eliminating the spread of malaria throughout the world. However, DDT is also poisonous to fish and birds; as a result, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) stopped its use in 1972. Aryl chlorides, such as chlozolinate and quintozene, are used to stop the growth of fungus on fruits and vegetables.