Alkyl halides, also known as haloalkanes, are organic compounds where a halogen (fluorine, chlorine, bromine, or iodine) is attached to an alkane. For example, in the exercise, \(\text{CH}_{3}\text{Br}\), \(\text{C}_{2}\text{H}_{5}\text{Cl}\), and \(\text{C}_{3}\text{H}_{7}\text{Br}\) are alkyl halides.
Here’s more about alkyl halides:
- Classification: They can be primary (1°), secondary (2°), or tertiary (3°) based on the carbon the halogen is attached to. For instance, 1-bromopropane is a primary alkyl halide, where the bromine is attached to a primary carbon.
- Reactivity: Their reactivity varies with the type of halogen and the carbon to which they are attached. Primary alkyl halides are usually more reactive than secondary and tertiary ones.
- Uses: Commonly used in pharmaceuticals, solvents, and as intermediates in organic synthesis.
Understanding alkyl halides helps to identify isomers and predict chemical reactions.