Final answer:
Halothane is an inhaled anesthetic with the formula CF₃CHClBr. It's less used due to newer anesthetics that have fewer risks, but it historically played an important role in surgical procedures.
Step-by-step explanation:
Halothane, with the chemical formula CF₃CHClBr, is an inhaled anesthetic that has been used in medicine for anesthesia. While it is not as commonly used today due to the advent of newer agents like desflurane, isoflurane, and sevoflurane, halothane is a notable compound among inhaled anesthetics due to its history and impact.
Inhaled anesthetics are typically volatile liquids or gases that are administered through an anesthesia machine, which vaporizes the liquid anesthetics for patient delivery. Halothane is a halogen-containing compound and, as such, it is less flammable than diethyl ether, an earlier anesthetic.
However, there are safety concerns for operating room personnel associated with exposure to halothane, including a higher rate of miscarriages among female operating room workers.