Question

Rank methyl chloride, methyl bromide, and methyl iodide in increasing order of reactivity as an alkylating agent, and explain your answer.

Answer 1

Since we know that electronegativity order of halogens is

Cl>Br>I

Cl is the most electronegative among them so c-cl bond is more polar hence more stronger hence is more stable thus do not react easily. Similarly I being the least electronegative hence C-cl bond is less polar hence less stable hence more reactive

So order of reactivity for alkylating reagents is:

CH3I> CH3Br> CH3Cl