Explain why

Alkyl halides, though polar, are immiscible with water?


Alkyl halides are polar molecules, therefore their molecules are held together by dipole-dipole interaction. The molecules of H2O are held together by hydrogen bonds (H-bonds). Since the new force of attraction between water and alkyl halide molecules are weaker than the forces of attraction already existing between alkyl halide-alkyl halide molecule and water-water molecules, therefore alkyl halides are immiscible (not soluble) in water. Alkyl halide are neither able to form H-bonds with water nor are able to break the H-bonding network of water.


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