• The haloalkanes(also known as halogenoalkanes or alkyl halides) are a group of chemical compounds comprised of an alkane with one or more hydrogens replaced by a halogen atom (fluorine, chlorine, bromine, oriodine).

 

 

• Physical Properties of Haloalkanes

As we will see, there is a fairly large distinction between the structural and physical properties of haloalkanes and the structural and physical properties of alkanes. As mentioned above, the structural differences are due to the replacement of one or more hydrogens with a halogen atom. The differences in physical properties are a result of factors such as electronegativity, bond length, bond strength, and molecular size.

 

• Classes of Haloalkanes

From the structural perspective, haloalkanes can be classified according to the connectivity of the carbon atom to which the halogen is attached. In primary (1°) haloalkanes, the carbon that carries the halogen atom is only attached to one other alkyl group. An example is chloroethane (CH3CH2Cl). In secondary (2°) haloalkanes, the carbon that carries the halogen atom has two C–C bonds. In tertiary (3°) haloalkanes, the carbon that carries the halogen atom has three C–C bonds.

 

• Haloalkanes can also be classified according to the type of halogen.

• Haloalkanes containing carbon bonded to fluorine, chlorine, bromine, and iodine results

in organofluorine, organochlorine, organobromine andorganoiodine compounds, respectively.

 

• Compounds containing more than one kind of halogen are also possible. Several classes of widely used haloalkanes are classified in this way chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs),hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). These abbreviations are particularly common in discussions of the environmental impact of haloalkanes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Source:

http://chemwiki.ucdavis.edu/Organic_Chemistry/Alkyl_Halides/Properties_of_Alkyl_Halides/Haloalkanes

 

 

 

written by: Ian Parungao