Question

Define the functional group and give 2 examples. How are they formed?

Alkyl halide

Answer 1

Definition of functional group

A functional group is a collection of atoms within molecules that bind together to react in probable ways. Examples of functional groups include the group hydroxyl, ketone, amine, and ether.

Definition of Alkyl halide

• Alkyl halides have a halogen atom as a functional group.
• Also known as haloalkanes, they are formed by the replacement of hydrogen atoms in an aliphatic hydrocarbon with halogen atoms (Fluorine, chlorine, bromine, or iodine).
• When alkane is treated with chlorine in presence of ultraviolet light or diffused sunlight alkyl chlorides or chloroalkanes are obtained. The reaction gives a mixture of all possible chloroalkanes: $\mathrm{R}-\mathrm{H}+{\mathrm{X}}_2\stackrel{\mathrm{h\nu }+∆}{\to }\mathrm{R}-\mathrm{X}+\mathrm{H}-\mathrm{X}$

Name	Formula
Methyl chloride/Chloromethane	${\mathrm{CH}}_3-\mathrm{Cl}$
Ethyl fluoride/Fluoroethane	${\mathrm{CH}}_3-{\mathrm{CH}}_2-\mathrm{F}$