Question
Write the cause of chemical reactivity of haloalkanes.
Solution
In haloalkanes (R—X) the halogen atom (X) is bonded to C atom as —C—X. Now, the halogen atom (X) is more electronegative than carbon. Therefore, the electron cloud of the C—X bond shifts towards X. This causes a polarization of C—X bond. As a result, the C atom acquires a small positive charge ( 
+) and the halogen atom acquires an equivalent small negative charge ( 
-). This is represented as
+) and the halogen atom acquires an equivalent small negative charge ( -). This is represented asBecause of a such rearrangement of the electrons in the C—X bond the haloalkanes (R—X, alkyl halides) are reactive molecules. Consequently, R—
X can be converted into different compounds with different functional groups under proper experimental conditions.
