Choose the correct order of reactivity of alkyl halides?
Correct answer: A. R - I > R - Br > R - Cl > R - F
- A. R - I > R - Br > R - Cl > R - F
- B. R - Br > R - I > R - F > R - Cl
- C. R - F > R - Cl > R - Br > R - I
- D. R - Cl > R - I > R - Br > R - F
Explanation
Alkyl halides reactivity is influenced by the bond strength between the carbon (C) and halogen (X) atoms. As you move down the halogen group on the periodic table, the bond strength decreases due to the increased size and lower bond energy of the halogens. Thus, the reactivity order is R - I > R - Br > R - Cl > R - F. Iodine, being the largest halogen, forms the weakest bond with carbon, making iodo compounds the most reactive. Conversely, fluorine forms the strongest bond, making it the least reactive. The other options are incorrect because they do not correctly account for the bond strength and size of the halogens, leading to an incorrect order of reactivity.
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About Nomenclature, Structure and Reactivity
Alkyl halides are named by selecting the longest carbon chain and locating the halogen substituent, while their structures are classified as primary, secondary or tertiary. Their reactivity includes nucleophilic substitution and elimination, with the behaviour of leaving groups and the distinction between SN1 and SN2 mechanisms linked to substrate structure.
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