In order to view some of the structures for this section, you will need the web "plug-in", "CHIME". If you do not have it already installed, you should be able to download it for free from the linked Website. CHIME is a browser that allows you to visualize and manipulate molecules as 3D structures.  Check here if you don't know how to use Chime.

Nomenclature:
Functional group suffix = -halide (review)
Functional group prefix = halo-
Primary, secondary or tertiary ?  In a similar fashion to alcohols, alkyl halides are described as primary (1^o), secondary (2^o) or tertiary (3^o) depending on how many alkyl substiutents are attached to the C-X unit.
 

Physical Properties:

• The polar bond creates a molecular dipole that raises the melting points and boiling points compared to alkanes.

• The alkyl halide functional group consists of an sp³ hybridized C atom bonded to a halogen, X, via a s bond.
• The carbon halogen bonds are typically quite polar due to the electronegativity and polarizability of the halogen.

• The halogens (Cl, Br and I) are good leaving groups.
• The polarity makes the C atom electrophilic and prone to attack by nucleophiles via S_N1 or S_N2 reactions.
• Bases can remove b-hydrogens and cause 1,2-elimination to form alkenes via E1 or E2 reactions.
• Insertion of a metal (esp. Mg) creates an organometalic species.