Question

What are halides used for?

Answer 1

Well metal halides are a very common precursor and starting material in inorganic chemistry..........

Explanation:

A metal halide, `MCl_n`, is a typically used precursor in inorganic chemistry. They offer some solubility in non-protic solvents, and also substitution at the metal centre results (usually) in the deposit of an ionic halide, which gives a thermodynamic driving force to the reaction. The halide is also (usually) redox inert; metal nitrates like metal halides, can also offer some non-aqueous solubility; but the nitrate anion, `NO_3^-`, CAN be a potent oxidant, tho' often this reactivity is masked in aqueous solution.

And I forgot the most common usage of halide.......as sodium chloride to season our fish and chips.......Yumm!