Question

In general alkyl halides are insolube in water. The main reason is:

• A. they are slightly polar
• B. they do not form hydrogen bonds with $H_{2}O$
• C. the halogen end is repelled by water
• D. they are unreactive compounds.

Answer 1

The correct option is B they do not form hydrogen bonds with $H_{2}O$

When alkyl halides dissolve in water, the energy released is not sufficient to overcome the attractions between the alkyl halide molecules and to break the hydrogen bond between water molecules. Thus, alkyl halides are insoluble in water.

Hence, option B is correct.