Haloalkane
An alkane in which one or more hydrogen atoms have been replaced by halogen atoms.
Formula / equation
R–X (X = F, Cl, Br, I)
Unit
Dimensionless
In depth
The polar carbon–halogen bond makes the carbon electrophilic and open to nucleophilic attack, while the halide is a good leaving group. Reactivity increases from fluoride to iodide as the bond weakens, and the class is central to synthesis despite serious environmental concerns.
Examples in the real world
Chloromethane, bromoethane in synthesis, and the CFCs that damaged the ozone layer.