Editing Halogen (section)

===== Organohalogen compounds =====
Many synthetic [[organic compounds]] such as [[plastic]] [[polymer]]s, and a few natural ones, contain halogen atoms; these are known as ''halogenated'' compounds or [[organic halide]]s. Chlorine is by far the most abundant of the halogens in seawater, and the only one needed in relatively large amounts (as chloride ions) by humans. For example, chloride ions play a key role in [[brain]] function by mediating the action of the inhibitory transmitter [[Gamma-Aminobutyric acid|GABA]] and are also used by the body to produce stomach acid. Iodine is needed in trace amounts for the production of [[thyroid]] hormones such as [[thyroxine]]. Organohalogens are also synthesized through the [[nucleophilic abstraction]] reaction.<ref name = "Naturally Occurring Organohalogen Compounds-A Comprehensive Update">{{Cite book|url = https://books.google.com/books?id=u45Z-kh61ngC&dq=Organohalogen+compounds&pg=PR1|title = Naturally Occurring Organohalogen Compounds - A Comprehensive Update|year = 2009|access-date = April 23, 2022|isbn = 9783211993224|last1 = Gribble|first1 = G. W| publisher=Springer }}</ref>