Conclusions
The group contribution method is an acceptable
method for the estimation of Gibbs free energy of
formation of chlorinated aliphatic compounds. The
contribution of chlorine varies somewhat with the
number and position of chlorine atoms in the molecule.
The accuracy of the resulting estimates is better
than 5 kcal/mol (20 kJ/mol). This makes the
results usable for predicting whether conversion of
a chlorinated compound can serve as an energy
source for microorganisms and whether certain
conversion steps in a degradation pathway are
exergonic or endergonic.