Physical properties Alkyl Halides

(i) CH₃F,CH₃Cl, CH₃Br and C₂H₅Cl are gases at room temperature. The alkyl halides up to be colourless liquids whereas higher members are colourless solids.

(ii) Alkyl halides are not soluble in water but soluble in organic solvents.

(iii) Alkyl Halides burn on copper wire with green outer flame (Beilstein test for halogens).

(iv) Alkyl bromides and iodides are heavier as compared than water. Alkyl fluorides and chlorides are lighter than water.

(v) Alkyl iodides turn into violet or brown in colour on exposure as they decompose in light.

(vi) For a specific alkyl set, the boiling points of alkyl halides are in the following order RI> RBr> RCl> RF and for a specified halogen the boiling points of alkyl halides increase with the increase of the size of the alkyl group.

(vii) Alkyl halides are in common toxic elements and bring unconsciousness while inhaled in large amounts.