What organic compounds are referred to as trihalomethanes?

Trihalomethanes are organic compounds that are derived from methane, where three of the hydrogen atoms in the methane molecule are replaced by halogen atoms, such as chlorine or bromine. This substitution results in a family of compounds that typically includes substances like chloroform, bromoform, and bromodichloromethane. These compounds are of significant concern in water treatment because they can form as byproducts when chlorine is used to disinfect drinking water. The presence of trihalomethanes in water is closely monitored due to their potential health risks, including their association with certain types of cancers and other health issues.

The other answer choices refer to different classes of compounds that do not fit the specific criteria of trihalomethanes, making them unrelated to the topic.