Question:

What is the general molecular formula of alkyl halides?

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Take an alkane CnH(2n+2) and replace one H with X.
Updated On: Oct 1, 2026
  • \(\text{C}_n\text{H}_{2n+2}\text{X}\)
  • \(\text{C}_n\text{H}_{2n+1}\text{X}\)
  • \(\text{C}_n\text{H}_{2n}\text{X}\)
  • \(\text{C}_n\text{H}_{2n-2}\text{X}\)
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
An alkyl halide is an alkane in which one hydrogen is replaced by a halogen atom X. The alkane formula is \(C_nH_{2n+2}\).

Step 2: Replace one H:
Removing one hydrogen gives an alkyl group \(C_nH_{2n+1}\). Attaching X gives \(C_nH_{2n+1}X\).

Step 3: Check:
Methyl chloride \(CH_3Cl\): \(n=1\), so \(2n+1 = 3\) hydrogens. This matches. Option (A) has one too many hydrogens (that would be an alkane plus X). Options (C) and (D) belong to alkene and alkyne-type skeletons. So the answer is (B).

Final Answer:
Alkyl halides have the formula CnH(2n+1)X. \[ \boxed{C_nH_{2n+1}X} \]
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