HaloalkaneThe haloalkanes (also known as halogenoalkanes or alkyl halides) are alkanes containing one or more halogen substituents. They are a subset of the general class of halocarbons, although the distinction is not often made. Haloalkanes are widely used commercially. They are used as flame retardants, fire extinguishants, refrigerants, propellants, solvents, and pharmaceuticals. Subsequent to the widespread use in commerce, many halocarbons have also been shown to be serious pollutants and toxins.
Organoboron chemistryOrganoboron chemistry or organoborane chemistry is the chemistry of organoboron compounds or organoboranes, which are chemical compounds of boron and carbon that are organic derivatives of borane (BH3), for example trialkyl boranes. . Organoboron compounds are important reagents in organic chemistry enabling many chemical transformations, the most important ones being hydroboration and carboboration. Reactions of organoborates and boranes involve the transfer of a nucleophilic group attached to boron to an electrophilic center either inter- or intramolecularly.
Wurtz reactionIn organic chemistry, the Wurtz reaction, named after Charles Adolphe Wurtz, is a coupling reaction whereby two alkyl halides are treated with sodium metal to form a higher alkane. 2 R−X + 2 Na → R−R + 2 NaX The reaction is of little value except for intramolecular versions. A related reaction, which combines alkyl halides with aryl halides is called the Wurtz–Fittig reaction. The reaction proceeds by an initial metal–halogen exchange, which is described with the following idealized stoichiometry: R−X + 2 M → RM + MX This step may involve the intermediacy of radical species R·.
