What distinguishes haloalkanes in terms of solubility?

Study for the NCEA Level 2 Organic Chemistry Exam. Review key concepts with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with detailed explanations. Get prepared for your exam success!

Haloalkanes are organic compounds that contain one or more halogen atoms bonded to carbon atoms. Their solubility in water is influenced by their molecular structure and the polarity of the bonds present.

The correct choice indicates that haloalkanes are not miscible in water. This is primarily due to their hydrocarbon nature. The carbon and halogen bonds are generally polar, but the overall molecule remains nonpolar because of the larger hydrocarbon portions. Since like dissolves in like, nonpolar substances do not mix well with polar solvents like water.

Additionally, haloalkanes tend to have greater London dispersion forces due to their size and the presence of halogen atoms, which contribute to their nonpolar characteristics. Consequently, they do not interact favorably with the polar water molecules, resulting in low solubility and no miscibility with water.

In contrast, the other options imply varying degrees of solubility and miscibility, which are not applicable to haloalkanes due to their hydrophobic nature.

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