Halo-alkanes are one of the most widely used and important hydrocarbons. When one or more hydrogen atoms of hydrocarbon are replaced by halogen, then the hydrocarbon is called halo-alkane. It is represented by the general formula R-X, where R is alkyl group and X is halogen. Some examples of halo-alkanes are CH3Cl (Chloro-methane), CH3CH2Br (Bromo-ethane) etc.
Types of Halo-Alkanes
According to the bonds with different types of carbon atoms, hal0-alkanes can be classified into three types. They are given below:
i) Primary halo-alkane: The carbon atom which is directly bonded with only one alkyl group is called primary carbon atom. When halogen atom is directly bonded with primary carbon atom, the halo-alkane is called primary halo-alkane. The general formula of primary halo-alkane along with its examples are given below:
ii) Secondary halo-alkane: The carbon atom which is directly bonded with two alkyl groups is called secondary carbon atom. When halogen atom is directly bonded with secondary carbon atom, the halo-alkane is called secondary halo-alkane. The general formula of secondary halo-alkane along with its examples are given below:
iii) Tertiary halo-alkane: The carbon atom which is directly bonded with three alkyl groups is called tertiary carbon atom. When halogen atom is directly bonded with tertiary carbon atom, the halo-alkane is called tertiary halo-alkane. The general formula of tertiary halo-alkane along with its examples are given below: