What type of reaction converts an alcohol to a haloalkane?

The conversion of an alcohol to a haloalkane is a type of substitution reaction. In this process, the hydroxyl group (-OH) of the alcohol is replaced by a halogen atom (such as chlorine, bromine, or iodine). This transformation typically involves the use of a reagent that provides the halogen, resulting in the formation of the haloalkane.

In a substitution reaction, the original molecule (the alcohol) retains its carbon backbone, and only specific atoms or groups are exchanged. This is differentiated from elimination reactions, which involve the removal of a small molecule (like water or HCl) and result in the formation of double or triple bonds. Oxidation reactions refer to the increase in the oxidation state of a molecule, often involving the addition of oxygen or the removal of hydrogen, and are typically associated with alcohols being converted to aldehydes or ketones. Condensation reactions involve the joining of two molecules with the loss of a small molecule such as water, which is not applicable in the case of converting an alcohol to a haloalkane.

Therefore, the substitution reaction is the correct designation for the process of converting alcohols to haloalkanes, as it highlights the replacement of the hydroxyl group with a halogen