The majority of these halide compounds are decomposed by water, with the formation of basic salts.
It combines with the halide derivatives of boron and silicon to form, e.g.
The atomic weight of silicon has been determined usually by analysis of the halide compounds or by conversion of the halides into silica.
When magnesium is heated in fluorine or chlorine or in the vapour of bromine or iodine there is a violent reaction, and the corresponding halide compounds are formed.
The products formed by the action of the Grignard reagent with the various types of organic compounds are usually thrown out of solution in the form of crystalline precipitates or as thick oils, and are then decomposed by ice-cold dilute sulphuric or acetic acids, the magnesium being removed as a basic halide salt.