Alkyl Halides: Structure and Physical Properties

Flashcards defining structural parameters and physical properties of alkyl halides from the lecture notes.

Hybridization of Carbon in Methyl Chloride

The state in which the carbon atom in methyl chloride is $sp^3$-hybridized, forming four sigma bonds.

C-Cl Sigma Bond Overlap

The bond in methyl chloride formed by the overlap of one $sp^3$-hybrid orbital of carbon with the half-filled $p$ orbital of a chlorine atom ($sp^3-p$ overlap).

C-H Sigma Bond Overlap

The bonds in methyl chloride formed by the overlap of three $sp^3$-hybrid orbitals of carbon with $1s$ orbitals of three hydrogen atoms ($sp^3-s$ overlap).

C-Cl Bond Length in Methyl Chloride

The specific bond distance between carbon and chlorine in methyl chloride, measured at $178\,pm$.

C-H Bond Length in Methyl Chloride

The specific bond distance between carbon and hydrogen in methyl chloride, measured at $108\,pm$.

Bond Angles in Methyl Chloride

The $H-C-H$ and $H-C-Cl$ bond angles in methyl chloride, which are both approximately equal to $109.5^\circ$.

Physical State of Lower Alkyl Halides

Gases at room temperature, which include methyl fluoride, methyl chloride, methyl bromide, ethyl fluoride, ethyl chloride, and propyl fluorides.

Physical State of Higher Alkyl Halides

States of higher n-alkyl halides, which are mostly liquids up to $C_{16}$ and solids above $C_{16}$.

Boiling Point Trend by Halogen Size

For a given alkyl group, the boiling points of alkyl halides increase with increasing size of the halogen atom.

Boiling Point Trend by Alkyl Size

For a given halogen atom, the boiling points of alkyl halides increase with increasing size of the alkyl group.

Boiling Point Trend for Isomeric Alkyl Halides

The property wherein the isomeric alkyl halide compound with the more highly branched alkyl group normally has the lowest boiling point.

Water Insolubility of Alkyl Halides

The property of alkyl halides being usually insoluble in water due to their inability to form hydrogen bonding with water.

Density of Alkyl Chlorides and Alkyl Fluorides

Alkyl halides that are lighter than water, resulting in them forming the upper layer when mixed with water.

Density of Alkyl Bromides and Alkyl Iodides

Alkyl halides that are denser than water, resulting in them forming the lower layer when mixed with water.