Halogenalkanen
Halogenalkanen, or haloalkanes, are organic compounds in which one or more hydrogen atoms of an alkane are replaced by a halogen (fluorine, chlorine, bromine or iodine). They are commonly represented by the formula R-X, where R is an alkyl group and X is a halogen. Depending on the number of halogen substituents, they are mono-, di- or polyhalogenated; and depending on substitution, primary, secondary or tertiary halides are defined. Haloalkanes include fluoro-, chloro-, bromo- and iodoalkanes, with properties governed by the C–X bond polarity and the size of X.
Physical properties vary with the halogen. Heavier halogens raise boiling points and increase polarity, giving haloalkanes
Synthesis and nomenclature: Haloalkanes are prepared by halogenation of alkanes under radical conditions, hydrohalogenation of alkenes,
Applications and hazards: Haloalkanes are used as solvents (dichloromethane, chloroform) and as intermediates in pharmaceuticals and