The carbon atom bonded to the halogen in an alkyl halide is attacked by nucleophiles because it carries
- A. a partial positive charge, since the halogen is more electronegative
- B. a partial negative charge
- C. a full negative charge
- D. no charge at all
Explanation
The carbon to halogen bond is polar, with electron density drawn towards the halogen, so the carbon is electron deficient and attracts species with a lone pair. This polarity is the reason alkyl halides are far more reactive than alkanes despite looking similar. The halogen leaves as a stable halide ion, which is why it is described as a good leaving group.
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