An alkyl halide is a type of organic compound that contains a carbon atom bonded to a halogen atom, such as fluorine, chlorine, bromine, or iodine. These compounds are derived from alkanes, where one or more hydrogen atoms are replaced by halogen atoms. Alkyl halides can be classified as primary, secondary, or tertiary based on the number of carbon atoms attached to the carbon bonded to the halogen. Alkyl halides are important in various chemical reactions and are commonly used in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and other organic compounds. They can undergo reactions such as nucleophilic substitution and elimination, making them versatile intermediates in organic chemistry.