Halogenoalkaanide

Halogenoalkaanide, also known as haloalkanes or alkyl halides, are organic compounds that contain a halogen atom (fluorine, chlorine, bromine, or iodine) covalently bonded to an alkyl group. The general formula for a halogenoalkane is R-X, where R represents an alkyl group and X represents a halogen atom. These compounds are derived from alkanes by replacing one or more hydrogen atoms with halogen atoms.

Halogenoalkanes are classified based on the structure of the carbon atom to which the halogen is attached. Primary (1°) halogenoalkanes have the halogen attached to a primary carbon atom (a carbon atom bonded to only one other carbon atom). Secondary (2°) halogenoalkanes have the halogen attached to a secondary carbon atom (a carbon atom bonded to two other carbon atoms). Tertiary (3°) halogenoalkanes have the halogen attached to a tertiary carbon atom (a carbon atom bonded to three other carbon atoms).

The properties of halogenoalkanes vary depending on the specific halogen and the size of the alkyl group. Generally, they are less polar than alcohols but more polar than alkanes. Their boiling points tend to increase with increasing molecular weight due to stronger van der Waals forces. Halogenoalkanes are often used as solvents, refrigerants, and intermediates in the synthesis of other organic compounds. They can undergo various reactions, including nucleophilic substitution and elimination reactions, which are important in organic chemistry.