Question

Why are solid alkyl halides insoluble in water?

Answer 1

Reason for solid alkyl halides to be insoluble in water:

1. Hydrogen molecules have hydrogen bonding or van der Waal's forces of attraction, and alkyl halides exhibit dipole-dipole attraction.
2. The energy released on dissolving solid alkyl halides in water is insufficient to break the hydrogen bonds.
3. As alkyl halides cannot overcome the force of attraction between them and break the hydrogen bonds between water molecules.
4. It remains insoluble in water.